Eating a balanced diet is an essential part of the puzzle seniors need to put together to keep themselves energetic, healthy, and feeling great. Family caregivers can offer a lot of help with this challenge, but they need to understand more about what seniors need in terms of nutrition to help the most. Home care providers can make it easier to plan healthy meals.
Here are some tricks to help seniors eat those meals and snacks more often.
Nutrient-dense Foods Are a Great Start
Seniors have different nutritional needs than younger people do. That means they need to focus on nutrients rather than calories since it can be so easy for seniors to experience negative effects from empty calories. Nutrient-dense foods include foods that have lots of essential minerals and vitamins, like lady greens, fatty fish, berries, and seeds. Planning meals with these foods is not as complicated as it first seems.
Prioritize Protein
Protein does a lot to help seniors maintain muscle strength and keep their skin healthy. Seniors naturally start to lose muscle as they age, so focusing on protein in each meal and snack is essential for good health. Options for this include poultry, fatty fish, beans, eggs, and even vegetables. Peas have a little over 4 grams of protein per half-cup serving, for example.
Healthy Fats Are Great for Brain and Heart Health
Healthy fats boost brain and heart health. Lots of people avoid any type of fat in their diet, simply because they’re misunderstood. Avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like sardines and salmon are excellent sources of healthy fats. Getting enough healthy fat can help to reduce inflammation and support cognitive health. Senior care providers can help aging adults get enough healthy fats in their diets.
Hydration Does a Lot
Too many seniors don’t get enough fluids every day. Dehydration is a serious health issue for aging adults because it can lead to urinary tract infections, confusion, and a weakened immune system. Eating hydrating foods helps, but it’s also important to find hydrating beverages that seniors enjoy drinking and include those in daily routines.
Eat More Often
If seniors aren’t eating often enough, they might not be getting the nutrients they need to keep their energy levels high. Smaller meals eaten more often keep energy levels consistent, which can help seniors avoid blood sugar highs and lows. This is also a good strategy for seniors who have trouble with a reduced appetite.
Don’t Forget Fiber
Fiber is great for digestive health, but it can also be a huge help for seniors who want to watch their weight. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and legumes. Whole foods tend to have a higher fiber count, making them a better choice overall. Home care providers can help with preparing these foods so they’re easier for seniors to eat more often.
Eating healthy sometimes feels complicated for aging adults, especially if they’re balancing other needs. Home care providers can help seniors get a healthy mix of nutrients to support overall well-being as much as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Lauderhill FL, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926.
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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