As you know, our bodies change as we get older. Eating becomes an activity that can be hard to navigate as we try to find foods that aren’t high in fat or calories and also give us nutrients that keep our body healthy. Navigating a healthy diet is especially hard for the elderly, who need to eat a balanced diet to help with certain medical conditions. They may have a decreased appetite and will need to maintain a healthy immune system. So how can seniors best get the nutrients they need?
If you’re looking for long-term care in Arizona, contact Above and Beyond. Our placement services will ensure that your elderly family member finds a home in which they are comfortable, happy, and most importantly, healthy.
Healthy Eating For Seniors
Nutrient-Rich Foods
As we all age, our bodies no longer need as many calories throughout the day, but it still needs just as many nutrients, or even more. Look for foods that contain healthy vitamins and minerals, and are high in protein and healthy fats. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, beans, nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and proteins that are low in fat.
Fiber
Seniors often have to deal with the challenge of getting enough fiber in their diet. The recommended fiber intake, according to health.gov, is 14 grams for every 1,000 calories consumed. Stock up on plenty of beans and lentils, nuts, oats, and whole grains to ensure this recommendation is met. Eating enough fiber can help with staying regular and prevent constipation.
Choose Healthy Snack Foods
With simple bags of chips, candy bars, and cookies catching your eye wherever you go, it’s easy to curb midday hunger with foods that are high in sugar and unnecessary fats. Instead, if you don’t want to completely avoid junk food, keep low-sugar canned fruit available, rotisserie chicken, low-sodium soups, instant oatmeal, or bags of steamed vegetables that make getting a quick snack simple and easy.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated as you age is especially important, as you may not notice when you’re thirsty. Keep glasses or bottles of water spread out around your long-term care home so that water is always available and within reach. Try to get around eight glasses of water each day, or add in some extra tea, soup, or fruits that are high in water into your diet.
How Above and Beyond Can Help
It’s no surprise that keeping a balanced diet as a senior is important and should be a focus each day. Diet, as well as exercise, can help elderly live a high-quality life. Even though Above and Beyond can’t be there to make sure you eat healthy each day, we can find long-term care in Arizona with staff who are passionate about helping seniors live a happy and healthy life.
If you’re looking for a long-term care home for a loved one, get in touch with us today. We want to help you find a home where your loved one is able to lead a productive life. We have experience and knowledge of various long-term homes in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale areas so you can focus on keeping your senior loved one healthy, instead of looking for a permanent home.