Tips on Healthy Eating and Nutrition for Seniors

One of the most important things we can do to take care of our bodies as we age is to eat plenty of healthy, nutritious meals. But many obstacles can keep seniors from eating healthily, including limited access to grocery stores, loss of appetite, and difficulty preparing meals. Read on to learn some easy tips to help seniors maintain a healthy and nutritious diet that will keep them active and help to improve their well-being.

Nutrition Tips For Seniors

In general, seniors need fewer calories than younger people, because they are less active and have less muscle mass. That being said, just because they need fewer calories doesn't mean they need less of other nutrients, and when calorie intake is limited it can be difficult to get necessary vitamins and minerals. 

To make sure that seniors get the nutrients they need, it's a great idea to make sure they are always stocked up on healthy snacks like fruit, veggies, nuts, and dairy. Meals should center around lean protein like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs or beans, and include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as side dishes. It also helps to avoid packaged snacks as they are often filled with processed sugars and fats. Supplements can also help seniors reach nutrition goals. Multivitamins made specifically for ages 65 and up are widely available in most grocery and drug stores. These can help to fill in any gaps in nutrition that a senior isn't getting from food. And of course, staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy at any age. 

Sometimes, medications that seniors take can change how food tastes. If this seems to be the case for a loved one, it may be a good idea to talk with their doctor to see if there's anything they can recommend. 

How To Help Your Loved One Get The Best Nutrition

Even with plenty of healthy foods available, it can still be tricky to make sure your loved one is eating well, especially if it's difficult for them to prepare food. Bending down to use the oven, chopping things like vegetables, and cleaning up afterward can be challenging as seniors lose strength, mobility, and coordination. If you're worried that your senior loved one is not getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy, an in-home caregiver can help. Aside from companionship, a caregiver can visit your loved one daily to make sure they're eating well. In addition, an in-home caregiver can help with tasks like errands and trips to the grocery store, which means that your loved one will still have access to fresh food even if they can't drive or use public transit. A caregiver can help with meal prep and cleanup as well.

Eating well is essential to keeping your loved one's immune system healthy so that they can stay strong and free of illness. If your loved one needs a little extra help with shopping, preparing meals, eating regularly, or cleaning up after cooking, Senior Helpers of Salem, Oregon can help! Contact us today to learn more.