Eating Healthy on a Fixed Income: Practical Tips for Seniors
Author: Bill Spearson
Eating the right foods becomes increasingly important as the years pass by in order to maintain health and avoid certain medical conditions. However, for seniors on fixed incomes, rising food prices might make it difficult to purchase nutritional meals. Fortunately, with a little planning, help from senior home care, and some savvy shopping habits, it is easy to eat healthily without breaking the wallet.
Planning Meals in Advance
One of the most efficient strategies for sticking to a shopping budget is to plan meals ahead of time. Senior home care can work with seniors to create a weekly menu plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. They can also teach seniors which inexpensive foods are the healthiest, such as rice, beans, oats, and vegetables.
Once seniors have their meal plan in place, they can make a shopping list based on what they will need. This can help them avoid making spontaneous purchases at the grocery store, which can rapidly add up. Sticking to a shopping list also guarantees they only buy what they need, eliminating food waste and saving money.
Buying in Bulk
Bulk purchasing can be an economical method to stock up on necessities such as grains, beans, and frozen vegetables. Seniors might consider shopping at warehouse clubs to find the most bulk items for the best price. Additionally, they might consider food sealing machines so they can buy more at one time but seal and freeze multiple portions for later.
Select Generic or Store Brands
When shopping, seniors should focus on looking for generic or store-brand products rather than major brands. Generic items are usually just as nutritious and high-quality as brand-name items, but they are less expensive. It’s worth noting that senior home care can also assist in finding generic or store brands when shopping for seniors to ensure they’re able to stick to their budget.
Shop Seasonal and Frozen Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive, particularly if purchased out of season. To save money, seniors can buy seasonal produce, which is cheaper and fresher. For example, they should purchase apples in the fall or berries in the summer. Also, seniors shouldn’t shy away from frozen fruits or vegetables. They are generally less expensive than fresh food, and because they are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, they preserve the majority of their nutritional worth.
Cook at Home
Cooking meals from scratch is often less expensive and healthier than using processed or pre-packaged items. Pre-made meals and snacks can contain additional sugars, sodium, and other additives that might be unhealthy for seniors, in addition to being more expensive. However, not all seniors are able to cook for themselves anymore, which is another area where senior home care can help. They can also make larger portions of certain foods for later in the week.
Look for Senior Discounts and Food Assistance Programs
Many grocery stores and marketplaces provide discounts to seniors. Additionally, senior home care can help them look into food assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), local food banks, or meal delivery services. These programs can offer financial assistance or access to free or low-cost meals.
Eating healthy on a tight income can be done with a little planning and effort, and with senior home care on their side, seniors will have the support they need.
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If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Dyer, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.
Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.