Many seniors have a strong desire to stay independent by continuing to live in their own homes as they age. However, various activities, such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and housekeeping, can eventually become challenging as older people experience physiological changes in their bodies during the aging process.
Families hire Live-in caregivers in Glastonbury, CT, to ensure that their senior loved ones are well cared for and supported with their daily activities while living independently and safely in their homes. Accordingly, caregivers can also provide families the assurance that their senior member is eating nutritious meals, which can improve their health and lessen their risks of diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular illnesses.
To ensure that seniors receive the nutrients their bodies need, families and caregivers must create a healthy diet plan. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy eating plan should have an emphasis on fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, a senior’s diet plan should include:
- Foods rich in carbohydrates (whole grains, sweet potations, and brown rice)
- Foods rich in protein (lean meat, poultry, seafood, dry beans or peas, and eggs)
- Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts)
- Foods rich in calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, and cereals)
Besides serving the foods that provide the nutrients needed by seniors, families and caregivers should also be mindful to avoid placing foods high in fats, salts, and sugar on their plates. Hence, it is vital to carefully read labels of food packets at the supermarket to ensure that they are low or have no saturated or trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Moreover, as the basal metabolic rate declines as people age, it would also be better to look for nutritious foods that seniors can easily eat and digest. It would ensure that seniors eat and enjoy healthy foods to keep a healthy weight, improve their health, and avoid diseases. This infographic of Euro-American Connections & Homecare details why seniors’ nutrition is important and how to make sure your elder loved one eats healthy meals.
