As people age, their eating habits may change over time. Some may be on a restricted diet due to a condition such as diabetes or hypertension, or they may have difficulty preparing fresh meals. Even if eating habits change, the one thing that never changes is the importance of eating healthy food. Eating healthy food helps people stay younger longer and have a better quality of life as they age and hopefully prolong their life. Even if they are not on a restricted diet due to a condition, there are many foods that are simply not good for seniors to consume.

Here are a few:

Unpasteurized Milk:

During the pasteurization process, the minerals that are in the milk are lost so many people think that unpasteurized milk is healthier. However, unpasteurized milk has more bacteria than pasteurized milk which can be dangerous for seniors. Seniors should only drink milk that is pasteurized. There are also some milk options that are fortified with even more protein and Vitamin D which can be beneficial for their health.

Mussels, Oysters, Clams:

Even though raw seafood contains vitamins and minerals, it also contains bacteria. This type of seafood does not get heated at a temperature that kills germs, so it can be dangerous to eat. For seniors, it is always best to eat cooked seafood such as grilled salmon or baked tilapia. When seniors eat cooked fish, they can still get the nutritional value from it, and they have less of a chance of getting food poisoning.

Multigrain Bread:

Usually, multigrain bread you find in a grocery store is essentially white bread with extra dyes and preservatives so that it looks different, and it contains a lot of empty calories and carbohydrates. This type of bread should be avoided.

Soft Cheese:

Although cheese is rich in calcium and vitamin D, softer cheese is not a great idea for seniors who suffer from a sensitive stomach or a weak immune system. Some examples of soft cheese that should be avoided include Brie and goat cheese which are generally not pasteurized and can be kept at room temperature while transported and while on store shelves. Seniors should focus on eating firm cheese instead, as they are pasteurized and are refrigerated on store shelves and therefore safe for sensitive stomachs.

Unpasteurized Juice:

Seniors should drink fresh juice, and they should avoid commercial juice that is not pasteurized to avoid possible bacteria that can be contained within them.  They can invest in a juicer which will allow them to make their own fresh juice from fruits and vegetables that is good for at least a few days in the fridge. They can experiment with different fruits and vegetables until they find a combination that they like.

Diet and Sugary Drinks:

Diet sodas have been linked to health issues such as depression and cancer and should be avoided by seniors. Some juice and soda options have less sugar and calories, but they are still very unhealthy. Seniors should avoid carbonated beverages that contain dyes, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. They should also limit their intake of caffeine throughout the day.

Alcoholic Beverages:

If you are a senior who has a chronic illness such as diabetes or takes medications such as antihistamines, painkillers, or various medications for hypertension, alcohol should be avoided.\

To learn more about preparing healthy and delicious meals for the elderly, visit 8 Ways to Boost Your Senior’s Appetite.

Foods High In Sodium:

If you have a history of hypertension, too much sodium should be avoided in your diet. If you find that you are missing the taste of salt, try adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your food. Based on various studies, it was found that seniors over 70 should limit their intake of sodium to no more than 1.2 grams per day.

Foods With Empty Calories:

Easy and fast foods such as doughnuts or fries should be avoided as they have empty calories and will not keep you full. As seniors become less active as they age, it will become more difficult to work off the calories they consume.

Foods That May Be a Choking Hazard:

It is important for seniors to be aware of foods that can be a choking hazard. These foods include hot dogs, steak, popcorn, hard candy, bread, crackers, chicken with bones, and large chunks of fruit.

Sprouts:

Seniors should avoid eating sprouts if they have digestive issues or have a weak immune system. They can harbor a lot of bacteria including salmonella. It is best for seniors to consume crisp vegetables including carrots and green beans.

Grapefruit:

If you a taking certain medicine for treatment of high blood pressure, anxiety, and even insomnia, you should avoid eating grapefruit. This is because grapefruit can intensify the effects of certain drugs which can be dangerous for your health.

Professional Senior Care

Are you or a loved one in need of senior home care? Caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are highly trained to provide your loved one with professional senior care right in their home. Our caregivers have passed a background check so you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands.

To start the process of caring for your loved one, first, we will assess their needs by visiting them at home. Next, we will create a plan based on those needs. Finally, we will match them with a caregiver that will carry out the care plan and work with their schedule. The care plan can change at any time if the needs of your loved one change. For more information regarding our elderly care services, make sure to call Assisting Hands Home Care at 440-517-4623.