Poor nutrition is a growing problem in elderly populations. Not only is the availability of junk food and fast food greater than ever, many elderly adults are not always able to grocery shop or prepare meals on their own. In these cases, many aging adults opt for fast microwave meals that are full of unhealthy ingredients. Senior nutrition is vital to keeping the body healthy and strong. Family caregivers that worry about their aging loved one’s health should take a closer look at their nutrition and diet.

Diet and Nutrition Needs Change with Age

Healthy eating can have a big impact on a number of conditions that are common in seniors, like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, digestive issues, and cholesterol. Good nutrition also leads to more energy, faster wound healing, and a healthy weight.

One of the biggest changes to the body in old age is that the metabolism slows down. It doesn’t burn as many calories as activity and efficiency decreases, leading to diminished appetites. Senior meals should be as nutrient dense as possible because they often don’t eat a lot anymore. Similarly, the digestive system changes, making it less efficient in absorbing key nutrients. If elderly adults are dependent on you as the family caregiver for meal planning and preparation, make it your goal to boost nutrition in every meal.

How to Improve Nutrition in Elderly Adults

There are several ways to increase nutrition and eliminate harmful ingredients in an elderly person’s diet. However, family caregivers don’t have to do it all alone. Many family caregivers hire senior care providers to assist their aging loved ones with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming. These senior care providers often help with housework, laundry and meal planning. If your aging mom or dad has a senior care provider they work with, talk with them about making changes to your loved one’s diet.

Some instant changes that family caregivers and senior care providers can make is to switch out junk food for healthy snacks, increase water intake and add a fruit and vegetable to at least two meals to start. As everyone masters these new and healthy habits, then family caregivers can incorporate more changes. Other improvements might include transitioning to whole grain rice, bread and pasta, as well as choosing low-sodium ingredients. Seniors also need healthy fats from seeds and nuts, plus plenty of lean protein, extra calcium and fiber from raw fruits and vegetables.

If elderly adults are dealing with diet restrictions or need to increase something according to a doctor’s orders, their support team of family members, senior care providers and friends need to be educated on their options. Conditions like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, high blood pressure and more are directly tied to nutrition intake and food choices.

There’s no better time to focus on senior nutrition, because the benefits of a healthy diet can start immediately. Family caregivers have a lot of influence on what their dependent relative eats for meals and snacks, so they can make them as nutritious and delicious as possible.

If you are considering senior care in Vinton, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.