As we age, maintaining healthy eating habits can make a difference in our overall health and mood. Now is an excellent time to learn about how we can develop better eating habits and healthier lifestyles. This is especially true for our senior community.
For seniors, maintaining good nutrition is so important. Some seniors are worried about things like affording healthy foods or hurting themselves while cooking, so seniors must consider the impact of certain food choices and adopt healthy eating habits to keep our seniors’ overall health in a good place for the spring.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends people learn about making healthy food choices and habits. For seniors and their caregivers who may have experienced disruptions to their eating, shopping, and other healthy habits, they recommend following these tips from the USDA:
- Enjoy a variety of foods from each food group to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
- Consult with your doctor for other options if the medications you take are causing changes to your appetite.
- Drink water often! Limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt. Low- or fat-free milk, including lactose-free options or fortified soy beverages and 100% juice can also help you stay hydrated.
- Consume foods fortified with vitamin B12, potassium, calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fiber.
- Avoid salt and try adding spices such as oregano to flavor your meals.
Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers provide a variety of services to support seniors so that they can maintain their independence and enjoy life not just in their homes, but also in their neighborhoods. These services include companionship, light housekeeping, cooking, and shopping support, assistance with personal care, dementia care, pet care, light handyman services and repairs, yard work, and medication reminders.
For the Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home senior care, it all comes down to The Power of Love® and providing compassionate care that makes seniors feel seen, heard, and independent while providing purpose and passion for their senior caregivers.