When it comes to a senior’s diet, several important nutrients are often lacking. Why? Several factors come into play. Mobility issues and lower muscle mass can make it harder for older adults to lift heavier items and open jars. Oral and physical health can impact chewing and swallowing.
Appetite decreases as you age. You eat less and aren’t taking in enough of the essential nutrients. Senses like taste and smell also change. All of these factors work together to change what an older adult eats, which leads to a problem. Seniors often get too little of the things that prevent chronic health conditions like fiber, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
What Should Your Mom and Dad Keep Stocked?
Lean protein sources are necessary. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, around 6 percent of older adults do not eat enough protein. They need to. Protein helps with the mix of nitrogen in the body and helps with insulin management, muscle mass, and energy.
Processed meats are high in sugar and sodium and should be avoided. Instead, your mom and dad should lean towards tofu, dried beans, fish, and poultry breasts.
Antioxidants help protect the cells from oxidative stress. Fresh produce and frozen berries are easy ways to boost the intake of essential antioxidants. Turn frozen berries into a quick morning smoothie by blending them with some low-fat milk or unsweetened nut or oat milk. A handful of oats boosts fiber, too.
Fiber lowers the risk of certain cancers. It can help with cholesterol levels and lower the risk of constipation. Whole grains are best for fiber. Stock the pantry or cupboards with barley, farro, quinoa, brown rice, and steel-cut oats. Muesli is a mix of raw grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit that is a quick, easy and fiber-rich breakfast.
Dairy is also important as it’s an easy way to get vitamin D and calcium. Bone strength depends on a person eating enough of those two nutrients. Low-fat milk, yogurt and kefir, cheese, and fortified juice and cereals are things to keep on hand. Your parents can also get calcium by eating sardines with the bones in but watch sodium content in canned sardines.
Help your parents improve their dietary habits. Senior care services assist with grocery shopping, menu planning, and meal preparation. Talk to a senior care agency to discuss prices and frequency.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK51837/
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
