Eating nutritiously fuels and supports a healthy body. Seniors, though, will need to make small adjustments in their daily diet due to the aging process. A well-balanced diet contributes to an active and independent lifestyle. Here are ways caregivers can form a healthy diet for seniors.

What is the significance of a healthy diet?

Seniors who consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals give their bodies the nutrients they need to remain active and maintain a healthy weight. In turn, these individuals have the resources to maintain their independence for a longer period of time.

Preparing and eating nutrient-dense meals also means that seniors are more likely to be healthy and, therefore, will spend less time and money at the doctor’s office. Seniors with chronic illnesses, like diabetes or heart disease, especially benefit from healthy eating habits.

How do seniors’ bodies change with age?

Healthy eating is described differently for older people. This is due to the fact that older people’s metabolism slows down with age and they require fewer calories than before. Specific nutrients are essential for aging adults, so it is critical to choose foods with a high nutritional value.

Seniors’ senses of smell and taste diminish with age, which causes a decrease in appetite. Nutritional deficiencies can occur when seniors on a fixed income are unable to afford healthy foods. Cooking is a challenge for seniors with physical limitations. Memory loss causes seniors to forget to eat meals.

What are four ways to form a healthy diet?

Caregivers should take steps to introduce a healthy diet into an elderly loved one’s life. The following tips will help seniors and their caregivers pick out the best foods to ensure optimum well-being, while factoring in the changes in and amounts of nutrients that an aging body requires.

1. Recognize a healthy plate

The familiar food pyramid introduced decades ago has been replaced by MyPlate, a simple graphic that shows individuals what healthy eating looks like. MyPlate features the five food groups (fruits, veggies, grains, proteins and dairy)—the building blocks of a healthy diet.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which released MyPlate, recommends whole fruits and a variety of vegetables. Half of all grains consumed each day should be whole grains. Vary protein consumption. Low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt (or fortified soy products) are recommended.

Caregivers and seniors should focus on creating a colorful plate with brightly colored foods. Add green, orange, and purple fruits and veggies. Brown rice and whole wheat pasta offer a high amount of fiber. Nutrition experts advise that a healthy plate looks like a rainbow of bright colors.

2. Read food product nutrition labels

Caregivers and the elderly should primarily focus on shopping for fresh foods. The healthiest foods are whole foods in the meat, dairy, and produce sections. When buying packaged foods, read the nutrition labels first. Choose packaged foods that have a low content of fats, sodium, and added sugars.

Seniors develop a healthier diet by opting for alternative food choices. Instead of high-calorie snacks, like chips, choose nutrient-dense snacks, such as baby carrots. Avoid snacks with added sugars and eat fruits instead. Replace refined grains with whole grains. Rather than solid fats, consume healthy oils.

3. Follow the recommended servings

Eating the recommended daily servings helps seniors maintain a healthy weight. Two-and-a-half servings of vegetables are recommended each day. Eat two servings of fruit daily: one fruit is considered one serving, as is one cup of 100 percent fruit juice or a half cup of dried fruit.

Seniors are advised to eat six servings of grains per day. One serving is a slice of bread, one ounce of uncooked pasta or rice or one cup cereal. Dairy is recommended three times per day. Aging adults should consume five-and-a-half ounces of protein (nuts, fish, meat or dairy) daily.

4. Stay hydrated

Hydration is a critical component of a healthy diet. Water is an important nutrient. Seniors should aim to drink fluids consistently throughout the day. While water is the best choice, older adults can also drink teas and coffees. Limit fluids that contain sugar and salt, unless advised by a doctor.

An aging body naturally conserves less water, and this causes seniors to not feel thirsty as often. However, older people still need to drink six to eight glasses of water per day (the exception is seniors with kidney or liver disease). Dehydration causes side effects, like confusion and drowsiness.

Switch from unhealthy beverages to healthier ones. For example, instead of drinking sodas, seniors should reach for waters flavored with fruits. Avoid sweetened lemon ice tea and choose sparkling water with a natural lemon flavor. Coffees with fat-free milk are a better choice than those with whole milk.

Eating the right foods is essential for bone health, weight management, and easing constipation. Healthy foods help seniors with Parkinson’s disease and other types of progressive illnesses maintain overall health. When your loved one needs help eating healthily, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care.

As a home care agency with a reputation for excellence, Assisting Hands Home Care provides seniors with daily support with all the activities of daily living. Our quality care services allow older adults to continue to live at home with as much independence as is safely possible.

We offer home care for Parkinson’s or other physical or cognitive ailments. Caregiver responsibilities include preparing nutritious meals, assisting with personal hygiene tasks, shopping for groceries, giving medication reminders, offering transportation, performing light housekeeping, and serving as pleasant companions.

Due to progressive conditions, seniors may require a specified level of care. Assisting Hands Home Care offers a range of care options, from overnight care to live-in care and 24-hour care. Our elder care services are flexible and customized to meet a family’s schedule.

Dallas, Texas, seniors and their families have a wealth of dependable support options when they choose Assisting Hands Home Care for all nonmedical home care needs. We offer a complimentary in-home consultation to develop an optimal care plan. Contact us at (214) 865-7870 for the best in senior home care.