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3 Nutrition Tips for Seniors
As your loved one gets older, you'll need to carefully monitor their diet. Numerous factors can affect their nutrition and wellness, such as a slowed metabolism, tooth sensitivities, reduced sense of taste and smell, and chronic health conditions. However, your loved one can still enjoy a varied, nutrient-dense diet that keeps their energy up and contributes to strong bones and a healthy heart. In addition to securing the help of a professional caregiver for your family member, here are some steps you can take to help them enjoy the proper nutrition.
How to Ensure Your Senior Loved One Gets the Right Diet
1. Flavor Food With Herbs & Spices
As people get older, they may experience a diminished sense of taste and compensate by pouring more salt on their food. However, excessive sodium intake can result in
high blood pressure. By adding herbs and spices to meals, you can provide your loved one with flavorful food without the hypertension risks. Many spices and herbs also provide
health benefits, such as cinnamon—which
reduces blood sugar—and sage, which
improves memory and overall brain function.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Your loved one may also experience a decreased sense of thirst, increasing the likelihood of dehydration. Not drinking enough water can result in
electrolyte imbalances and contribute to acute kidney failure, making it important to monitor their daily intake. How much water they need
depends on their weight, such as 8.75 cups per day for a 140-pound individual.
3. Stick to Whole Foods
Encourage your loved one to eat mainly whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and beans packed with vitamins and minerals. Lean protein sources also provide nutritional benefits, such as cold water fish featuring omega-3 fatty acids that improve skin health and reduce oxidative stress.
If your family member has tooth and gum sensitivities, opt for softer foods like bananas and avocados, and use a food purveyor to soften hard fare. Follow
recommended menus for seniors to create healthy, balanced meals.
If you need a professional caregiver to ensure your senior loved one maintains a healthy diet, contact
Safe Have Home Care. They care for older individuals throughout Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn, NY. Their staff includes bilingual caregivers, registered nurses, medical social workers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists. Call
(718) 968-6970 today to make an appointment, or visit their
website for more about their care services.
