Eating a healthy diet is key to boosting physical and emotional health. Specifically, the abundance of vitamins and minerals found in food help to prevent chronic disease and encourage a sense of well-being in the elderly. Older adults should follow these nutrition guidelines to reap the health benefits.

The quality of an aging person’s diet is important. Consuming the recommended number of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy boosts the quality of the senior’s diet. Likewise, reducing the daily intake of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat is essential to healthy eating.

1. Eat Protein

Consuming an adequate amount of protein helps to prevent the loss of mean muscle mass in elderly individuals. Normally, seniors eat meat, poultry, and eggs. But alternative sources of protein are available and provide additional nutrients, like calcium, fiber, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Good alternative sources of protein include seafood and dairy. Seniors can fill their pantries with canned seafood, such as tuna, crab, or salmon. Protein-rich meals can be quickly prepared from these canned seafoods; plus, they store well. Beans, peas, and lentils are also great sources of protein.

2. Consume Calcium and Vitamin D

Dairy is an excellent source of vitamin D and calcium. Seniors are encouraged to drink low-fat or fat-free dairy milk. If drinking milk sounds unappetizing to the aging adult, then opt for yogurt. Filled with fruit, yogurt is healthier when it is fat-free or low-fat.

Seniors might also opt for fortified soy alternatives, like soy milk, which contains calcium and vitamins D and A in amounts comparable to cow’s milk. Fortified foods are simply those to which nutrients are added, since specific vitamins and minerals do not naturally occur in them.

3. Increase Dietary Fiber

Fiber is an essential nutrient for the elderly, helping them feel full, supporting healthy digestion, and preventing constipation. The good news is that fiber is found in a wide range of plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables. Whole grains—but not processed grains—are also good sources of fiber.

Chickpeas and black beans offer 11 and 7 grams of fiber, respectively, per half cup serving. Seniors might pair the beans with a cup of quinoa or brown rice, also good sources of dietary fiber, and a helping of broccoli. Snack on bananas and apples to add fiber to a daily diet.

4. Limit Sugars and Fats

Seniors are advised to cut down on added sugars. Instead, satisfy a sweet tooth with healthy, naturally sweetened desserts. Enjoy a bowl of fresh fruit salad or baked apples spiced with a dash of cinnamon. A piece of fruit without any of the fanfare is just as healthy and delicious.

Unhealthy fats should be avoided, too. Replace saturated fats, which can be found in cream and butter sauces, with healthier alternatives, like marinara sauces made with vegetables. Seniors can ask that sauces be served on the side or that dishes be prepared without sauce.

5. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is critical to the health of seniors, since drinking sufficient fluids promotes good digestion and prevents dehydration. Water, with zero calories, is an optimum beverage choice. Choose unsweetened fruit juices or add frozen berries to water when plain water fails to tantalize the taste buds.

Like sugars and fats, alcohol should be consumed in moderation. The effects of alcohol are stronger in the elderly, which can lead to dangerous falls and accidents. Men are limited to 2 drinks or less per day, and women are limited to 1 drink or less per day.

Seniors who eat balanced meals are more likely to prevent the development of chronic diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. But older adults are usually less active and have fewer calorie needs, both of which keep them from consuming enough daily nutrients.

The daily nutrition needs in the aging population can also be affected when they take multiple medications, live with a chronic health condition, or experience natural, age-related changes to their bodies. Caregivers, family and friends, however, can ensure that the elderly adhere to a healthy diet.

6. Enhance Mealtimes

Sharing meals together is one way loved ones can enhance the enjoyment of food. While swapping life stories at the dinner table, healthy dietary patterns are established. Seniors might invite friends over for a potluck or head to the senior center to make mealtimes a pleasant experience.

Caregivers might also experiment with how foods are cooked to improve texture, appeal, and the senior’s overall enjoyment. Older people who struggle with chopping vegetables or slicing fruits can try frozen, pre-cut versions. Canned and ready-to-eat options are equally healthy alternatives.

Eating healthy meals is a prerequisite for healthy living. When seniors need extra support with meal preparation or grocery shopping, the dependable caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help. We support the physical and emotional well-being of elderly individuals in their homes.

Responsibilities performed by professional caregivers from our reputable senior care agency include transportation to doctors’ offices or to pick up prescriptions, medication reminders, light housekeeping, fall-risk assessments, mobility support, and help with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming.

Our comprehensive, non-medical assistance allows seniors to age in place, safely and comfortably. Older adults have the opportunity to manage tasks independently when it is safe to do so. Professional caregivers also serve as excellent companions to seniors, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care are trusted by numerous area families. Each of our dedicated professionals is bonded and insured to provide peace of mind. Our qualified caregivers are trained in CPR and First Aid as well as in how to respond to emergencies.

When your elderly loved one could benefit from senior home care, choose Assisting Hands Home Care. We serve seniors in BallenIsles,  Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL, and the neighboring communities. Call us at (561) 566-5989 today to schedule an in-home consultation and help the senior in your life live with improved health and wellness.