As children, we were constantly reminded to eat all our vegetables. Of course, the goal is to eat healthily. As we age, the importance of nutrition doesn’t wane, and it helps maintain a suitable weight for active living and keeps you out of the doctor’s office. At Prestige Home Care Agency, we recognize that aging should change how we eat. Metabolism slows, meaning the body needs fewer calories. Nonetheless, it needs more of certain nutrients like calcium to support bone strength. Let’s review some Healthy Eating Habits For Seniors

Healthy Guidelines

The National Council on Aging has some basic guidelines on making healthy meals for your aging loved one, including:

1. Composition: The main dish should include approximately equal proportions of vegetables and grains, balanced with slightly less protein, fruits, and dairy. Stick to 

• Dairy: Low-Fat options
• Fruits and vegetables: oranges, kale, beets, carrots, greens, lemon, strawberry, etc.
• Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat
• Protein: Lean meat, eggs, seafood

High fiber and Vitamin D, and low salt.

1. Check the Label: Not everyone can make fresh meals. Processed food often contains high levels of sugar and salt. Shop smart.
2. Hydrate: No matter one’s age, having water on hand throughout the day nurtures your whole body. 6-8 cups are recommended.
3. Keep things like cakes, pizza, and fried food as “treat” day choices.
4. Swap it: Replace food with saturated fat with monosaturated fat. For example, use nut butter instead of coconut oil.
5. Moderate alcohol content to no more than 24oz daily.
6. Friendly fiber. High-fiber foods keep the digestive system running smoothly.
7. Spice it up. Many people think that healthy eating equates to bland. It need not be so. There are many “good for you” spices and herbs, including

• Basil: Boosts the immune system
• Cinnamon: Regulates blood sugar; high in antioxidants
• Garlic: Improves heart health; staves off the common cold
• Peppermint: Relieves nausea and IBS pain
• Rosemary: Deters allergies and nasal congestion
• Sage: May improve memory and brain functionality
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory properties

The In-Home Caregiver’s Role in Healthy Eating Habits for Seniors

As our society ages, one of the primary services aides provide is cooking meals. Sound planning can improve the client’s quality of life. It is not uncommon for older adults to lack proper nutritional intake. Either they don’t eat enough, or they eat the wrong things.

Prestige’s Home Healthcare Agency has caregivers who know how to make healthy meals that taste good. By communicating with your loved one’s healthcare team, they can be sure to avoid allergens while stressing what the individual most needs.

Food is something people enjoy, and it reflects family traditions, culture, and personal taste. So it’s not surprising that cooking and serving meals improves overall satisfaction, creating a positive outlook. The food doesn’t have to be fancy or gourmet, just mindfully prepared.

More about Prestige Home Healthcare

Our goal is to provide exceptional care, which includes food preparation. The family can help by making a list of preferred foods and stocking the house. Our aide can tweak the menu for balanced nutrition and check the fridge and freezer, ensuring any expired items get thrown away.

If you’d like to learn about us, you can use our contact page HERE or call our Philadelphia, PA, office at 215-677-3299.