The importance of eating a well-balanced diet for general health and well-being increases with age. Maintaining mobility, strengthening immunity, controlling chronic conditions, and preserving cognitive function all depend heavily on a healthy diet. Essentially, eating the correct foods in the right quantity can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life. With home care assistance, seniors gain an understanding of the importance of a well-rounded diet and recommendations for how to achieve that diet.
The Importance of High-Nutrient Foods for Senior Health
Foods high in nutrients provide the vitamins, minerals, and energy required to sustain different bodily functions and help seniors do all they can to improve their overall health. With this in mind, seniors should give priority to the following essential nutrients:
- Protein: Muscle mass tends to decrease with age, which makes it more important than ever to ensure seniors are eating enough protein. Lean protein sources, including fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and low-fat dairy products, should be a regular part of a senior’s diet. Plant-based proteins like quinoa, lentils, and tofu are great choices for seniors as well.
- Vitamin D and Calcium: Vitamin D and calcium go hand-in-hand, as they’re both essential for healthy bones. Unfortunately, the body’s capacity to absorb calcium declines with age, which is why it’s critical to get adequate calcium through diet and, if needed, supplements. Dairy products, fortified plant-based milks, leafy greens, and fatty fish, such as salmon, are good sources of vitamin D and calcium.
- Fiber: Fiber facilitates digestion and may help avoid constipation, a problem that many seniors face. In addition, it helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar. Seniors can find fiber in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
- Vitamins B12 and B6: These nutrients are necessary for the development of red blood cells and the health of the brain. Seniors can get these vitamins from eggs, fish, meat, and fortified cereals since, like calcium, absorption can diminish with age.
- Potassium: Potassium helps control blood pressure, which is critical as the years pass by. Seniors can find potassium in bananas, potatoes, avocados, and leafy greens.
Overcoming Typical Nutritional Obstacles
When it comes to eating a balanced diet, seniors may have challenges, which is why home care assistance and the support of loved ones are key. Some of the challenges they may face include the following:
- Diminished Appetite: A number of variables, including taste and scent changes or adverse drug reactions, might cause seniors to feel less hungry. Understanding this, it’s important for them to choose nutrient-dense foods that are high in nutrients but come in smaller servings to counteract this. Also, adding herbs and spices can also improve the taste of food and make it more enticing.
- Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing: Dysphagia or dental problems can make eating difficult. This difficulty can be bypassed by encouraging seniors to eat softer foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed vegetables, and soups, all of which still contain important nutrients.
- Limited Mobility or Access to Fresh Foods: Seniors who have physical restrictions may find it difficult to prepare meals or go grocery shopping. This is where home care assistance comes in, providing transportation, running errands, and even prepping food if seniors need help with this task.
Seniors can maintain their health and energy well into their older years with home care assistance and by eating a diet high in nutrients.
Sources:
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/best-diet-for-seniors/
If you are considering home care assistance in Katy, 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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