In your journey to independence and wellness, having a reliable caregiver beside you is essential. They help keep the proper nutrition for older adults.
Also, these professionals know what foods elderly should avoid and must eat to keep up with their health. Should you need a 70-year-old diet plan, do not hesitate to ask for help from your caregiver.
How Important Is Good Nutrition for Seniors?
Caregivers know the importance of proper nutrition for adults aged 60 and above, that is why they always give healthy food and drinks to them. Without good nutrition, the seniors mind and body will be compromised and prone to diseases.
At Senior Home Help, all our caregivers are trained and experienced to give the necessary care and compassion needed to let our clients live a happy independent life in their home. We understand the importance of nutrition in elderly, so we will only prepare nutritious meals for our clients.
How to Eat Healthy After 50?
The moment you reach 50, that is the time you need to be cautious with your calorie intake to avoid diabetes and other diseases. The average daily calorie intake for seniors is 1600 to 2800 depending on your daily activities. You can ask for help from your dietician or caregiver in creating a 7-day meal plan for elderly.
Here is an elderly meal plan sample for seniors reaching 50 years or older:
- Take plenty of fluids, like milk, juice, and water
- Avoid or limit your caffeine and alcohol drinking
- 3-5 servings of fruits: 1 small peach, ¼ cup dried fruit, ½ cup sliced apples
- 5-7 servings of lean protein: 1 egg, ¼ cup cooked beans, 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2-4 cups of leafy vegetables
- 5-10 servings of grains: 1 small brown muffin, ¼ cup brown rice, 1 slice whole wheat bread
- Fish 2x per week
- 6-8 servings of oil: ¼ cup avocado oil, 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 servings of dairy: 1 cup milk, 1 cup yogurt
How To Easily Prepare Meals and Snacks for Seniors?
Not all older adults still have the physical capability to eat like when they were younger, so you need to improvise on making their meal time more convenient.
- Serve finger foods if the seniors are having a challenging time using knife, fork, or spoon
- To avoid confusing them, only serve one or two dishes
- If they have difficulty chewing, serve soft food or smoothies
- Do not forget to give them supplemental fruit shakes or smoothies
- Make their food tasty with herbs and spices
- Secure a bowl of nuts or fruits for snacks
A healthy diet for elderly male and female is necessary today, considering all the diseases present in the community.
What are some Vitamins and Minerals needed by Seniors?
As a person ages, some vitamins and minerals are depleting in the body, so you need to give them supplements. Here are the essentials a senior’s body needs to stay healthy:
- Vitamin B12 for the blood and brain cells
- Calcium for bones and teeth
- Vitamin D for reducing risk of cancer
- Iron for the blood
- Vitamin B6 for immune system
- Potassium for regulating blood pressure and to avoid fatigue
- Fiber
Takeaway
You need to ensure that your elderly is having the right nutrition to support their continued independent life. If you don’t have an idea on what weekly meal plan to prepare for them, you can ask a nutritionist or a trained caregiver for assistance. Remember, you are not alone in your journey of taking care of your older adults, and we can help you with that.