4 Myths About Senior Nutrition

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, seniors need to maintain a healthy diet. A balanced diet not only supports the immune system but also ensures overall well-being during the colder months. Caregivers play a vital role in making sure that the seniors they care for get enough nutrients, especially when it comes to snacking. Snacks offer a perfect opportunity to supplement nutritional needs without preparing full meals. We want to focus on easy-to-prepare, nutritionally balanced snacks that cater to both seniors and caregivers.Nutritional Needs in WinterSeniors may experience specific nutritional needs. The cold weather can lead to decreased activity levels, making it necessary to consume foods that are rich in protein and fiber. Protein supports muscle health, while fiber aids digestion and prevents constipation. Essential nutrients like vitamins D and C are needed to support the immune system and boost energy levels. Caregivers can address these nutritional needs through smart snack choices, ensuring that meals are not only satisfying but also healthful.Easy-to-Prepare Snack IdeasHere are some simple snack ideas that pack a nutritional punch with both protein and fiber:Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: Mix Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a handful of nuts. It's a protein-rich, satisfying snack.Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast. Top with sliced tomatoes or a poached egg for extra flavor and nutrients.Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Carrot and celery sticks with hummus provide fiber and protein. Consider adding bell peppers for color and variety.Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers: Pair your favorite cheese with whole-grain crackers. This combination offers a fulfilling taste and essential calcium.Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruits and nuts makes for a fiber-rich, heartwarming snack.Each of these snacks is versatile. For example, Greek yogurt can be replaced with plain yogurt to cut sugars, and you can opt for gluten-free crackers if needed.Nutritious Ingredients to Keep on HandHaving the right ingredients on hand makes healthy snacking easy. Some must-haves include whole grains like oats and brown rice, fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries, vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, nuts and seeds such as almonds and chia seeds, and dairy or dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt and cheese. These ingredients are not only nutritious but also adaptable to many recipes. Store fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator to extend their life. For nuts and grains, keep them in airtight containers to preserve freshness.Tips for Encouraging Healthy Snacking HabitsMaking healthy snacks appealing can sometimes be a challenge. To encourage better eating habits, offer a variety of snacks to prevent boredom by mixing different flavors, textures, and colors. Set regular snack times and pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Caregivers should also snack on healthful foods to set a positive example. Engaging seniors in the snack-preparation process can also make healthy eating more enjoyable and boost their interest in nutritious foods.Snack Smart and Stay Cozy This WinterIncorporating nutritious snacks into seniors' daily routines has numerous benefits, from boosting immunity to improving energy levels. Caregivers should not overlook their own nutritional needs, as their health is necessary to provide the best care. By prioritizing wholesome snacking habits, both seniors and caregivers can enjoy better well-being throughout the winter months. For personalized care and support in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Wellington, Windsor, Estes Park, and Longmont, contact Senior Helpers Greeley today.

Hot summer days are a good time for everyone to think about staying hydrated. For older adults the topic of hydration is a year-round discussion that never goes away. Its a serious issue for most seniors but doesnt get resolved because it needs to be addressed every day and cant be solved with a pill.Seniors have a very high risk for dehydration, which is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization after the age of 65. They have a greater risk of dehydration for many reasons, including the fact that as we age, our kidneys become less efficient at conserving fluids, our sense of thirst weakens, and we are less able to adjust to changes in temperature. Some medications like diuretics, sedatives, and laxatives can also cause increased fluid loss.Dehydration can cause temporary symptoms that mimic symptoms of Alzheimers. If dementia-like symptoms seem to appear suddenly, it could be dehydration which is easily curable.Symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, confusion, lethargy, increased heart rate, sunken eyes, dry mouth, dark colored urine.  Urine should be clear to pale yellow. I tell my clients that if their urine is darker than pale yellow, they should head straight to the kitchen from the bathroom and drink a full glass of water.  Keeping a glass of water beside you all day to sip on rarely results in someone drinking enough fluids.  Its more effective to drink the entire glass, even if its a small glass.  Seniors cant rely on their sense of thirst to tell them when to drink water.  Scheduling a glass at each meal and/or after a bathroom visit, making sure to drink the full glass, is the best way to make sure youve gotten your full daily amount.If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040. 

Isolation and loneliness are not new concepts to those who work in the field of aging. And, as a result of the COVID pandemic, almost everyone, regardless of age, experienced some form of isolation and loneliness. Many of us were separated from family, friends, and coworkers for so long that the isolation left a nearly permanent mark. As a senior service provider, Cultivate has seen, firsthand, the negative effects isolation has had on our senior clients. We have also seen the power of healing that the volunteers provide when they take time to build connections with our clients. According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation in adults can lead to serious health conditions beyond the effect it has on mental health. The senior population has been disproportionately affected by isolation for years, and it is only in the aftermath of the pandemic that much of the population can begin to understand. Society saw a surge in volunteerism during the beginning of the pandemic because many people were struggling with the loneliness of quarantine while becoming very aware of the fact their neighbors needed help. However, that surge ended, and non-profits are finding a significant reduction in the number of new volunteers. Many forget that just because most of the population is no longer quarantined, this does not mean that the issues of isolation have disappeared. There are different ways that the community can get involved to help reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors. This work can start by reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors. You never know how much of an impact your time and words can have on someone. Volunteerism is also a good way to reach people who need the most help. Often the volunteers get as much out of their experience as those they are helping do. Whatever you choose, remember that we all know what it feels like to be lonely, and we all have the power to relieve the loneliness of others. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Carly Marquis. Carly is the Director of Volunteers with Cultivate and may be reached at 303-443-1933 or by email at cmarquis@cultivate.ngo.