Seniors experience a variety of changes as they grow older. Many of those changes affect how they eat and how they enjoy food. Some seniors may also have health issues that benefit from better food habits. Eating better and more consistently can be a lot easier when older adults have help from home care providers because they can build some of these tips into daily routines.
Focus on Smaller Meals
Smaller meals can be the perfect answer for seniors who struggle with low appetite or difficulty eating. When these meals and snacks are full of nutritious options, seniors have a better chance of getting the building blocks their bodies need without getting overwhelmed by eating more than feels comfortable. Elder care providers make it easier for seniors to have access to smaller meals and snacks that are also full of nutrition.
Offer Food More Often
One big benefit of eating smaller meals and even snacks throughout the day is that seniors might be encouraged to eat more often. This is especially helpful for seniors who aren’t hungry throughout the day or who have health issues that make eating full meals more difficult. More frequent opportunities to eat also allows seniors to choose from a wider array of food options, which helps them get a broader range of nutrients.
Choose Protein-rich Foods
Protein is the main nutrient that helps seniors maintain muscle tone and strength. If they’re not eating enough protein, they may experience more difficulties with retaining strength. Lean proteins are the best choice, including fish, chicken, beans, and legumes. Eggs, yogurt, and cheese are also great sources of protein that can help seniors bump up their protein intake.
Include Plenty of Fiber
Fiber can help with digestive health, managing blood sugar levels, and also with heart health. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Eating more of these types of foods help seniors to feel satiated and also provides essential nutrients. Many people find it difficult to start eating more fiber all at once, so gradually ramping up fiber intake is a good plan.
Season with Herbs and Spices
So often seniors encounter health issues that require them to give up added salt and sugar. These changes aren’t easy, but this becomes a great opportunity to try new herbs and spices to flavor foods. Adding a touch of acidity with vinegars and citrus juices can also help to replace salt and sugar in foods. It takes a little time and patience to adjust to those changes.
Prioritize Hydration
Hydration is a big part of nutrition and it’s a key part of helping the immune system and other bodily functions work as well as possible. Many seniors don’t drink nearly enough fluids throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be just water, although plain water offers some of the best benefits. Other ideas include clear brothy soups, unsweetened herbal tea, and hydrating foods like berries or cucumbers.
Boosting nutrition for seniors can involve employing a variety of strategies. Home care providers can help families explore options that help aging adults modify their diets in the ways that serve them most effectively.
If you are considering home care in The Heights, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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