Good Nutritional Choices Seniors Need to Make

By Zandrea Durham | March 15, 2024 | Comments Off on Good Nutritional Choices Seniors Need to Make

Maintaining good nutrition is increasingly important as seniors age. The right nutrients help seniors to stay healthy and keep their immune systems strong. Seniors in particular have to pay closer attention to what they’re eating, especially if they want to keep living life on their terms. Eating a healthier diet keeps seniors strong, healthy, and doing what they want to do most. Home care providers can offer seniors the assistance they need to keep up with a healthy diet.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when selecting foods.

Stay Hydrated

Home Care Macon GA - Good Nutritional Choices Seniors Need to Make
Home Care Macon GA – Good Nutritional Choices Seniors Need to Make

Proper hydration is essential for good nutrition, but it’s easily overlooked. If seniors aren’t drinking enough water, they’re more likely to experience urinary tract infections, cognitive issues, and worsening health in other ways. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water, is important, but food can be hydrating, too.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is a great catchphrase, but there are some keys to eating a balanced diet. Seniors should focus on including lots of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains. Lean proteins and healthy fats round out the list of dietary needs. Getting plenty of nutrients sounds easy enough, but it can be tough for seniors to do. Having help from home care providers to do the prep work and planning can do so much to alleviate the stress of eating healthier.

Skip Overly Processed Foods

One of the things seniors need to give up when they start to eat healthier is heavily processed foods. These foods aren’t necessarily terrible when eaten rarely, but if seniors are making a steady diet of these types of foods they’re probably getting too much unhealthy fat, added sugar, and excessive sodium. Skipping these types of foods is just a better option.

Eat Healthy Fats

It’s tempting for people who want to eat healthier to start avoiding fat altogether. But healthy fats, like the ones in nuts and seeds as well as fatty fish, olive oil, and avocados are really good for the body and the brain. It’s important to keep healthy fats in the diet.

Prioritize Protein

Seniors in particular need to ensure that they are eating enough protein every single day. Aging adults tend to lose muscle mass very quickly, which can be a big problem. Incorporating more protein into their diet can help seniors rebuild and maintain muscle tone.

Get Help with Preparing Meals

Cognitive impairment, mobility issues, and simple fatigue can all make it impossible for seniors to cook healthy meals regularly. Having help from home care providers is invaluable. Eating healthy meals allows seniors to maintain their health and independence, reduce stress, and get the nutrients they need.

Making just a few of these changes can do so much to help seniors live a healthier life overall. Home care services can offer a lot of support that makes it easier for seniors to age in place. Focusing on nutrition helps to ensure that seniors maintain their independence and live a fulfilling life for as long as they possibly can.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Macon GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.

Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Gray, Milledgeville, Forsyth, Cochran, Jeffersonville, Eastman, Fort Valley, and the surrounding areas.

Zandrea Durham
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