Proper nutrition is important throughout life, notably for those aged 65+. In addition to meeting their basic dietary needs, food is also a source of pleasure and comfort for many seniors. But when taste buds get finicky, dental health changes and chronic medical conditions make meal preparation next to impossible, many older adults don’t follow a well-balanced diet. If that sounds like your senior, here’s how you do meal planning for seniors once you are all living under the same roof.
The Dietary Needs of Older Adults Vary
The nutritional needs of older adults differ from those of younger people. Chronic health problems often require seniors to be extra careful about what and how much they eat.
Finding ways to personalize your loved one’s diet can be a double-edged sword. For example, adding more salt to their food to compensate for diminished taste and smell could raise their blood pressure. Instead of oversalting their food, substitute healthier seasonings like fresh or dried herbs and spices.
When depression or loneliness are affecting eating habits, joining your seniors over a nice, relaxing dinner may help them rediscover their appetite. If they are having trouble chewing food, a missing tooth, cavity, or ill-fitting dentures could be the issue. Offer to take them to the dentist so the problem can get resolved.
Whatever the case may be, the first step is to determine what is keeping your senior from eating enough nutritious foods so that you can then address the underlying problem.
Creative Food Preparation Tips for Finicky Seniors
Here’s how to personalize your loved one’s plate throughout the day with nutritious, tastebud-tantalizing foods:
Breakfast
Oatmeal is one of the easiest, most versatile breakfasts you can make, and using the overnight method makes it even easier. Combine one part of rolled oats with two parts of low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or almond milk, and then let the mixture soak overnight. The next morning, add flavorful, nutritious ingredients like sliced bananas, cinnamon, peanut butter, or freshly chopped frozen berries.
As an excellent source of protein and lutein, eggs allow you much creativity. Serve your senior scrambled eggs with a handful of steamed veggies or turn some eggs into a baked frittata garnished with fresh vegetables.
Lunch
As an easy-to-prepare lunch, soups can be personalized based on a senior’s dietary needs, along with any swallowing or chewing difficulties they might have. Softened cooked veggies, chopped lean meats or fish, and healthy herbs and spices can all be used to create the perfect soup for your senior. If necessary, you can even puree their soup in a blender.
Dinner
When preparing a quick, nutritious dinner plate for your elderly houseguest, be sure to include one lean protein, one cup of fresh veggies or fruit, and one portion of whole grains. Ideal sources of protein include lean beef, chicken, or salmon. With a little culinary creativity, tofu or beans can be used as substitutes.
Grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or quinoa are healthy for most seniors. Whenever possible vary your veggies so that your loved one gets a full balance of vitamins and minerals. Although steaming or boiling vegetables is the quickest way to prepare them, they may taste a little bland. Boost flavor by adding melted butter or a dash of lemon juice.
Snacks
When your loved one gets hungry between meals, try serving them these nutritious snacks:
- Nuts and seeds
- Greek yogurt with fresh berries
- Celery with all-natural peanut butter
- Fresh chopped veggies with hummus
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Protein smoothie
In-Home Dietary Assistance for Seniors in Bedford, MA
Helping elderly loved ones eat as they should isn’t always easy. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our professional in-home senior care services allow clients in the Bedford, MA, area to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. Our trained, dependable caregivers and personal assistants can help your family overcome its eldercare challenges while making your loved one’s home an even better place to be.
Our turnkey home care services include everything from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to light housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance with bathing and dressing. From a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, our customized in-home care solutions have got your family covered. To learn more about Assisting Hands Home Care or schedule a free consultation for a senior in Northwest Boston, click here now.
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