Four Nutritional Tips for Seniors

Nutrition is an essential part of everyone’s health, especially for aging parents and relatives. Seniors need a well-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight, have energy and get all the nutrients they need.

The National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Aging states that one in four older Americans has poor nutrition. Not getting the food they need can put them at risk of developing an unhealthy weight and leaves them vulnerable to emerging diseases. 

In case you missed it, March is National Nutrition Month. This month encourages people to establish healthy eating habits. In celebration of this month, the Omaha senior care professionals want to share with you some nutritional tips to help a senior! 

Set an eating schedule

As you start to age, your appetite can begin to diminish. This decrease in appetite occurs because seniors start to lose their taste and smell. If a senior doesn’t feel hungry, they can often forget to eat. 

Not eating enough or on time can lead to malnutrition. To prevent seniors from not eating, help them develop an eating schedule. Get your aging parent or relative to eat at a specific time every day. This will get them in the habit of eating even when they don’t feel hungry. 

Choose nutrient-rich foods for them

Seniors should avoid eating heavily processed foods that are fried and high in calories. Elders should choose nutrient-rich foods instead. These types of foods can help a senior get all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates that they need in their daily schedule! 

When shopping for food for a senior loved one, make to buy for: 

• Lean proteins (seafood, eggs, beans and lean meats) 

• Fruits and vegetables 

• Whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread)

• Low-fat dairy 

More fiber!

Seniors need lots of fiber to maintain a healthy digestive system. Not getting enough fiber in their diet can be due to a small appetite. Male seniors should try to consume 28 grams of fiber, and females should try to eat 22.4 grams of fiber. 

You can give your aging parent or relative the daily fiber by eating both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber includes oatmeal, beans, lentils, apples, oranges and vegetables. Insoluble fiber includes whole wheat, nuts, seeds and potatoes. 

Drink enough water

Water is an essential part of everyone’s life. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration and that causes seizures, brain damage and even death! Ensuring that a senior drinks enough water throughout the day is essential. 

Seniors can lose their ability to know when they’re thirsty. Or their medication can cause them to lose water faster. To prevent dehydration, make water accessible to seniors and give them foods that are high in water. Also, leave bottles of water in their favorite rooms. 

You can help your senior loved one stay healthy by hiring a caregiver from the best Omaha senior care! At Akkase Home Health Care, our Omaha senior care professionals can assist seniors in everything from meal preparations to shopping for groceries. Contact us to get started!