Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods

Seniors often require fewer calories due to slower metabolisms but need higher levels of certain nutrients. Focus on foods that pack a nutritional punch in every bite to meet these changing needs.

Fruits and vegetables – Include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to ensure a broad range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporating leafy greens, berries, and carrots can be particularly beneficial.

Whole grains – Swap refined grains for healthier whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal to increase fiber intake while providing long-lasting energy.

Lean proteins – Opt for lean protein sources such as fish, skinless chicken, beans, and tofu to maintain muscle mass.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need someone to prepare nutritious meals for your loved one. Elder care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at InCasa Home Care Services are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a common concern among seniors, as the body’s ability to sense thirst diminishes with age. Not drinking enough water can lead to fatigue, confusion, and more serious health issues.

Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and drink more if you’re physically active or live in a warmer climate.

Seniors can also stay hydrated by consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and soups.

Herbal teas or flavoured waters are good alternatives for those who find plain water unappealing.

Boost Bone Health

Bone health tends to decline with age, increasing the risk of fractures. Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is critical for maintaining bone strength.

Calcium sources – Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent choices, but plant-based foods such as fortified almond milk, kale, and sardines are also good options.

Vitamin D – Spend a little time in the sun to help your body produce vitamin D naturally, or add foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals to your diet. Supplements may also be beneficial in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Limit Added Sugars & Sodium

Excess sugar and salt in the diet can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Minimizing these can go a long way toward promoting long-term health.

Check nutrition labels to avoid processed foods high in added sugars and sodium.

Season meals with herbs, spices, and lemon juice instead of salt.

Satisfy sweet cravings with naturally sweet fruit instead of sugary desserts.

Some seniors need help preparing nutritious meals and healthy snacks. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of senior home care Edmonton families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.

Plan Balanced Meals

For seniors, creating a meal plan can help them manage portion sizes and ensure a balanced intake of nutrients throughout the day.

Aim for smaller, frequent meals if large meals feel overwhelming or cause discomfort.

Use the “MyPlate” method, filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with lean protein, and the other quarter with whole grains.

Don’t forget healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts, which are essential for heart and brain health.

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional in-home care. Edmonton, AB, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to InCasa Home Care Services. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. If your loved one needs professional care, InCasa Home Care Services is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us today.