Eating healthy is important no matter what the age. Seniors, especially, those who eat balanced meals, ward off diseases, like osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes. Summer introduces an assortment of colorful, nutritious foods, making it easy for older adults to eat healthy this time of year.

Why is healthy eating important?

Foods contain rich sources of vitamins and minerals, the building blocks for healthy bodies. Nutrients include not only vitamins and minerals, but carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water. Consuming an abundance of daily nutrients helps the aging body function at its most optimum level.

Growing older can alter food choices or eating habits. Some elderly individuals may need fewer daily calories, for example, because they are less physically active. Despite needing less calories, aging people still need to consume the recommended amount of nutrients.

What causes an unhealthy diet?

Age-related changes can make it more difficult for seniors to eat healthy foods. Older adults with mobility challenges may have trouble shopping for groceries or standing over a stove to cook. Similarly, seniors who live alone may be less motivated to eat healthy meals.

Medications can alter the taste of food, cause dry mouth, or reduce appetite. A change in a senior’s sense of smell or taste can cause them to eat fewer nutritious foods. As people age, they may develop problems with chewing and swallowing, which can interfere with healthy eating.

Many of the challenges that accompany aging can be overcome when a caregiver steps in to shop for fresh groceries, cook nutritious dishes, and provide companionship during meals. Summer is the ideal season to learn a few tips for healthy eating.

What are summer tips to eat healthy?

Summertime is a season when colorful fruits and veggies ripen. Seniors who have access to summer foods are certain to eat healthy meals. Firstly, it’s important to know what a healthy plate looks like. A healthy plate is filled with mostly vegetables and grains but includes fruits and protein.

Tip 1: Prepare Vegetables

Vegetables come in an assortment of colors, from greens to yellows and reds. Fill up the summer plate with a rainbow of colors, like red peppers, eggplant, and carrots. Eating veggies delivers bursts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to a senior’s diet.

Slicing vegetables into bite-size pieces can be a challenge for older adults. If chopping them up is difficult, reach for canned, frozen, or ready-to-eat vegetables for a vitamin-packed punch. Don’t forget to snack on veggies, like carrot sticks, to benefit.

Tip 2: Eat Whole Grains

Whole grains are loaded with fiber, an important daily nutrient. Brown rice and whole wheat pasta fall into this category and are excellent sources of fiber. Seniors who relish oatmeal or whole-wheat bread for breakfast during summer months incorporate plenty of whole grains into their diet.

Tip 3: Nibble on Fruits

Strawberries, blueberries, and oranges are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Being high in anthocyanins, strawberries reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Mangos, rich in antioxidants, protect the body from heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and some cancers; they’re also high in fiber.

Sliced summer fruits can accompany breakfast eggs or be munched on as snacks. Fruit is a versatile food that can be eaten raw or prepared—while delivering ample nutrition. Steam, cook, or stew fruits in sauces to make them easier to digest and allow the body to absorb their nutrients.

Tip 4: Choose Lean Proteins

A cut of meat is delectable every now and then. Aging adults who aim to maximize their nutrient intake this summer should reach for lean proteins, such as fish, eggs, and chicken. Eating enough protein helps prevent the loss of lean muscle mass in older people.

Lean meats and seafood are not the only protein sources available to seniors. Fortified soy alternatives, beans, peas, and lentils are also rich in protein—and provide an extra dose of nutrients, like calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fiber.

Tip 5: Stay Hydrated

A sense of thirst can diminish with age. Seniors should make an extra effort to stay hydrated as the summer heat reaches scorching temperatures. Water prevents dehydration and helps aid in digestion. Unsweetened fruit juices and fat-free milk are delicious beverages to enjoy throughout the day.

Tip 6: Socialize at Meals

A full plate of colorful fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins is best enjoyed in good company. Seniors eat more when others join them at the table. Have picnics with caregivers, participate in a summer potluck twice a week, invite friends to lunch, and share meals at the senior center.

Summertime offers plenty of additional opportunities to eat healthily. Farmers’ markets are in full swing in summer, and seniors can browse for tasty fruits and vegetables. The inviting weather is ideal for outdoor barbecues, picnics, or simply sitting on the porch for a meal with a caregiver.

Why Choose Assisting Hands Home Care?

When your elderly loved one wishes to start eating healthy this summer, senior companionship from Assisting Hands Home Care can help them reach their nutrition goals.

• Our professional caregivers assist seniors with the activities of daily living, like meal preparation, so they remain independent at home.
• Responsibilities include shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, preparing nutritious meals, and assisting with hygiene tasks, like bathing and dressing. We provide transportation to the doctor’s office, exercise classes, and the senior center. The senior’s home remains hygienic with our light housekeeping services.
• Included in our home care services is companion care. Our professionals serve as pleasant companions, which reduces feelings of loneliness and social isolation. We have picnics with care recipients, join them during meals, and play games to increase their mental stimulation and keep them socially active.

Assisting Hands Home Care is the most trusted elder care agency in Tinley Park, IL, and the surrounding areas. Our companion care services ensure seniors stay socially, physically, and emotionally healthy. When your aging loved one is ready for a better quality of life, schedule a free in-home consultation with us.

Call today at (773) 207-3767