Easy Ways Seniors Aging In Place Can Eat Healthier

Now is a great time for seniors to make some healthy diet changes. Seniors often struggle with malnutrition. In fact, some studies suggest that more than 70% of seniors suffer from some degree of malnutrition.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to seniors who are aging in place becoming malnourished. Medication or illnesses can take away a senior’s appetite. Cooking or shopping can be too difficult for seniors with mobility challenges. Or conditions like depression may be affecting their desire to eat.

Home care assistance is one way that family members can help seniors who are struggling with malnutrition. With home care assistance, seniors have help with things like cooking and shopping. And they have company to share a meal with as well as someone who will encourage them to eat throughout the day. Seniors can also use these tips to make healthy eating easier:

Fill The Pantry With Nutrient Dense Foods

Seniors that don’t have a big appetite should try to eat foods that pack a lot of nutrients into a small amount of calories. Vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy foods are nutrient dense foods that contain a lot of essential vitamins and minerals.

Don’t Forget Drinks

Seniors who don’t have a big appetite can also get a lot of nutrition from supplement drinks. Electrolyte enhanced water, protein shakes, and other nutrient-rich drinks can supplement a senior’s diet to make sure that they are getting the essential nutrients their bodies need for good health.

Make Simple Swaps

Swapping whole grain bread for white bread, pasta made from vegetables instead of high-carb pasta, lean meat like chicken or fish instead of beef, and other easy swaps will make seniors healthier.

Prioritize Protein

Often seniors aren’t getting enough protein because protein primary comes from meat, and meat can be difficult to prepare and cook. It can also be expensive. Seniors can get more protein without a lot of effort by eating eggs, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. And seniors can also choose prepared meats like pulled rotisserie chicken, cooked fish, or meat alternatives that can be cooked in the microwave.

Include Healthy Fats

Not all fats are unhealthy. The body needs fat to function, but seniors should focus on eating healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts.

Limit Processed and Sugary Foods

Seniors should avoid eating processed and sugary foods, including candies, pastries, and sugary beverages. These foods may be less expensive, but they often contain trans fats, empty calories, and high glycemic load ingredients that can be very unhealthy.

Try A Meal Delivery Service

Seniors can also get healthy nutritious prepared meals delivered to their door. Some meal delivery services send their meals in microwave containers ready to microwaved so seniors don’t have to struggle to prepare and cook them. A meal delivery service that offers nutritious meals can be a great way for seniors to improve their health and eat a better diet.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-malnutrition-in-older-adults

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)02612-5/fulltext