Ask any senior and the answer will likely be the same: aging brings about changes in practically every aspect of life. Dietary and nutritional changes are no exception, with alterations in the taste and smell of food, decreased appetite, oral and dental issues and gastrointestinal changes all reported to be associated with aging by the National Institutes of Health. Helping your senior loved one maintain a healthy diet and meet his or her nutritional needs can be tricky.
Here are a few tips to help choose the right foods for older adults:
Protein needs typically do not change for older adults; however, some proteins, like turkey, chicken, and fish, are healthier than red meats. Other foods with protein include:
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Peas
- Beans
- Tofu
- Nuts
Fat should be something that older adults reduce in their diets; however, there are some “good” fats that can be part of a healthy diet, including:
- Olive oil
- Seeds
- Sunflower oil
- Avocados
- Nuts
Calcium is a very important nutrient that helps minimize bone loss in older adults. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium, as are:
- Figs
- Tofu
- Kale
- White beans
- Cabbage
At Visiting Angels, we’re helping seniors each day to maximize their health and wellbeing by providing a full range of nutritional assistance – from learning each person’s unique likes and dislikes, to shopping for groceries, preparing healthy and enticing meals, and then serving as a friendly companion during those meals. Contact us at 408-735-0977 to learn more about our Sunnyvale home care services, or at 510-284-0000 in Fremont and take the first step towards better health for your senior loved one!