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Author: Dan Nathanson

Eating a nutritious diet is something that seniors know they need to do in order to support health and overall well-being. As they grow older, their nutritional needs change and it’s important for them to make the right choices to manage chronic health issues, boost energy, and basically have the best possible quality of life. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Home care assistance can offer seniors the support they need to eat healthily as they age.

Stay Properly Hydrated

One of the first factors to consider when thinking about senior nutrition is getting plenty of water. Proper hydration helps seniors to get the fluids their bodies need to keep their systems running well. It also helps them to avoid dehydration due to decreased thirst sensation, medication side effects, and more. Home care providers can monitor fluid intake and help ensure seniors are getting plenty of fluids.

Reduce Processed Foods, if Possible

Highly processed foods are typically full of unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar, which can all contribute to a variety of health issues for seniors. But these foods are also very convenient and typically don’t require a lot of effort to eat. Home care assistance can take over meal preparation for seniors, ensuring they have easy options that are also healthy.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is the ideal solution, but what does that mean? It means including foods from a variety of food groups in every meal. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats all offer seniors nutrients their bodies need. Each meal should include a variety of different foods that hit all the right macros.

Fats Are Essential

Many people view fats as something to avoid, but there are healthy fats that seniors need. These help to offer energy and also allow the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. Healthy fats are found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, fatty fish, and avocados. They boost brain health and cell function, so they’re important to keep in a senior’s diet.

Protein Helps Maintain Muscle

Protein is a particularly important part of the nutrition plan because it helps seniors to maintain muscle mass. Seniors often find themselves losing muscle mass and strength, especially if they’re not getting enough protein in every meal. Eggs, legumes, lean meats, poultry, and fish are great sources of protein.

Fiber Is Also Crucial

Fiber is important for digestive health, of course, but it does a lot more than that. Fiber can help to manage blood sugar levels and is great for heart health. Instead of drinking fruit juices, for example, it’s way better for seniors to eat whole fruits. They get the sweetness of the juice, but the fiber from the whole fruit.

Reduce Sodium and Sugar

Most seniors likely hear from their doctors that they need to reduce sodium, sugar, or both. Too much of either can cause seniors to gain weight, have trouble with high blood pressure, or experience other health issues. Sugary snacks and beverages are big culprits.

Making any kind of dietary change is not an easy thing to do, but implementing these tips can go a long way toward helping seniors eat healthfully on a consistent basis. Home care assistance can take a lot of the guesswork out of planning healthy meals, ensuring seniors are getting the nutritional support they need.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Camarillo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of Ventura County today at (805) 386-1031.

Home Helpers Home Care of Ventura County provides exceptional home care for seniors in Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Agoura, West Hills, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Topanga and surrounding areas.