Many seniors suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition due to reduced food intake and a lack of variety in their diet. Consequently, older people with poor quality diets have an increased risk of developing illnesses, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, families must pay extra attention to their senior members’ diet to promote good health and prevent diet-related diseases.

People’s dietary requirements depend on their age as their physiological needs change along with the aging process. Therefore, seniors would have a different diet plan compared with children and middle-aged adults.

Families and 24 Hour Caregivers Plainville CT, need to create a healthy diet plan for their senior members to detail which foods provide nutrients and which foods are not suitable for older people. Accordingly, a senior’s diet plan should have an emphasis on fruits and vegetables. It should also include carbohydrate-rich foods, such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, and brown rice; protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, poultry, seafood, dry beans or peas, and eggs; foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts; and calcium-rich foods, like milk, yogurt, cheese, and cereals. 

Consequently, families should consider looking for food that is easy to eat and digest, and avoid serving foods high in saturated or trans fats, salts, and sugar. It would be best to read the labels of packed foods or ingredients when grocery shopping to ensure that they are low or have no fats, sodium, or added sugars. 

Older people would appreciate their family members and caregivers‘ help in serving nourishing meals to keep a healthy weight and lessen the risk of developing illnesses. Some seniors experience age-related challenges, such as numbing of senses as they grow older, making various activities like grocery shopping, and meal preparation appear challenging. This infographic from  Euro-American Connections & Homecare discusses seniors’ nutrition and how to make sure your elder loved one eats healthy meals.