Soft Foods for the Elderly

Of all the joys of life, enjoying delicious food is undoubtedly at the top of the list. Food is a source of nourishment, comfort, a way of sharing hospitality and traditions, and reliving fond memories. However, as we age, some health restrictions can limit us or prevent us from enjoying various foods. Many elderly people struggle with oral issues and tooth loss that can make tougher foods that require extensive chewing an impossibility.

For people with that unfortunate condition, food can lose all appeal and cause a loss of appetite. This can lead to poor nutrition, which in turn can cause a whole other host of health problems that can severely impact quality of life and have a negative effect on lifespan. Texture and distinct flavors are vital to the enjoyment of food, so simply blending or liquefying normal foods is not an option. For seniors who struggle with chewing, consider the following soft foods.

Eggs are packed with beneficial fats and are one of the best sources of complete proteins that are readily available. Eggs can be scrambled to a soft consistency, which makes them easy to eat. Adding a dollop of cream, cottage cheese, or sour cream will smooth out the consistency of the eggs as well as give them a more robust flavor.

Potatoes can be mashed to a smooth texture for easy eating. Make sure to leave the skins on to provide additional fiber, and using milk instead of cream and less butter will make them healthier.

Eating raw veggies can be very difficult for senior citizens who can’t chew as well as they used to. While boiling vegetables will make them softer, the process of boiling will release most of their vitamins and minerals into the water. Try steaming them until they’re soft, which will preserve their nutritional value better.

Smoothies are an excellent method of both improving your diet, and eliminating the need to chew. Combine some of your favorite fruits, either fresh or frozen, add plain greek yogurt, milk, and any other supplements you fancy to a blender and run it until smooth. You can also add a serving of leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutritional punch, and you won’t even be able to taste them.

Fish that have flaky meat are typically much easier for people on soft food diets to chew than other types of meat. Salmon, cod, orange roughy, and more are an excellent way to obtain omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. Try consuming baked or grilled fish at least once a week.

Oatmeal, in addition to being very easy to chew, is one of the healthiest soft foods you can have for breakfast. Packed with fiber as well as numerous vitamins and minerals, you can add a spoonful of honey or some soft fruits to improve the taste without compromising on healthiness.

Beans, when cooked for an adequate amount of time, become an excellent and fully soft source of protein and fiber. A wide variety of foods can be prepared with beans, such as refried beans, baked beans, and bean soups.