Senior Nutrition Guidance, pt 5

Continuing our series on senior food and nutrition, we are pleased to welcome content submitted by Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents.

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— Stay Hydrated: Hydration is a key part of a healthy diet, and unfortunately, aging can result in a diminished sense of thirst. This means it’s vital for seniors to pay attention to their water intake to avoid dehydration. Generally, seniors should consume between six and eight glasses of water each day, consisting of one to 1.5 liters of fluid in total. This ensures optimal hydration and can even curb the appetite in those who overeat.

— Stick To Snacking and Small Meals: Metabolism plays a significant role in appetite control. Keeping the metabolism active and working hard can help encourage elderly to eat more often. Instead of consuming two to three large meals each day, seniors can attempt to increase their appetites by consuming snacks and three to six small meals periodically throughout the day.

— Develop a Healthy Routine: Seniors can attempt to boost their appetites by eating the same types of food at the same time each day. There are benefits to planning out healthy meals. Train the body and mind to eat regularly and select healthier foods.

— Consume Protein Shakes or Smoothies: When eating becomes altogether too difficult, turning to drinkable foods can make it easier to get through each meal. Protein shakes and meal replacement beverages can deliver sufficient vitamins and minerals. However, keep in mind that some brands are high in sugar, sodium and additives, so it’s important to check the ingredients. To get ample dairy, fruits and vegetables, seniors can opt for smoothies made with yogurt and milk or almond milk, along with a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and juices.

— Vegan Nutrition Tips for Seniors: Following a healthy diet can prove even more difficult for seniors who prefer not to consume animal products. Finding alternatives to dairy products such as milk and cheese, as well as to meat, has become easier in recent years but often, it still leaves vegans with limited options.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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