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One in three hospital patients is malnourished upon
admission and almost one-third of U.S. patients (31 percent) experiences
declines in nutritional status while in the hospital.
Dietary needs evolve as people age, and seniors need to know
how to manage those changes to maintain physical health and wellness. Older
adults need to take an active role in shaping their diet and nutrition habits
to ensure more energy, better disease prevention and quality of life.
Seniors should consult their physician to discuss their
individual needs. Healthcare professionals can also help seniors and their
families create and implement healthy eating plans.
These
plans often include:
·
Increased protein and
fiber intake. Protein and fiber are
important nutrients for seniors. Foods high in fiber can help maintain healthy
digestive systems as we age, and increasing protein intake can help seniors
increase or maintain energy and strength.
·
Whole grains have
multiple benefits. Whole grains are
also fiber-rich foods that not only aid the digestive process but promote
healthy hearts for seniors. Cereal, rice and bread made with whole grains can
easily be found at any grocery store and provide several serving choices to meet
recommended daily requirements.
·
Calcium is a key
component in maintaining bone strength. Calcium
can help prevent osteoporosis, especially when calcium intake is consistent.
Preventing osteoporosis is critical for seniors – especially those that are at
risk for falls.
·
Hydration is critical at
any age. Physical changes
that occur with age make hydration even more important for older adults. For
those that are less inclined to drink water, there are alternatives – milk,
juice and broth are all hydrating liquids, and there are hydrating foods including
watermelon, cucumbers and grapes.
If
engaging in good eating habits is a struggle, there are steps seniors can take
to ensure that they are getting proper nutrition. In addition to consulting a
physician about diet or health concerns they might have, they can also try the
following tactics to get back on the right track:
·
Make meals a social
occasion– Sharing a meal is one
of the most enjoyable ways to ensure that someone is eating well. This can
include making something healthy and delicious for others, or reaching out to
people that love to cook healthy food and offering them some company at mealtimes.
·
Make healthy eating fit
your budget– Good food doesn’t have
to be expensive. A doctor or nutritionist can point patients to budget
friendly, nutritious food options. And maintaining a healthy lifestyle saves
money on medical care in the future.
·
Shop for healthy foods– Having a kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and meal options
is one of the most important steps to maintaining a balanced diet.
·
Encourage people to ask
for help– If someone has concerns
about their ability to plan healthy meals, shop for the groceries or if they
just aren’t getting the nutrition they need, tell them to ask for help! In-home
caregivers, delivery services, family, friends and medical professionals can
all help older adults reach their nutrition goals.
Comfort Keepers Can Help
If
someone is struggling to maintain healthy eating habits, consider getting
support from the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers®. Our
caregivers can help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and can help
support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. Our goal is to see
that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day,
regardless of age or acuity.
To
learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers
location today.
References
Mayo Clinic. “Senior
health: How to prevent and detect malnutrition.” Web. 2017.
Next Avenue,
“Malnutrition is Affecting Too Many Older Adults.” Web. 2016.
Public Health Post.
“Malnutrition in Older Adults.” Web. 2017
Healthline. “How Your Nutritional Needs Change as you Age.” Web. 2017.
Of the 32 counties we support in Colorado, 13 are located west of the Continental Divide and served by our phenomenal team in Grand Junction. Through mobile pantries and partnerships with more than 110 Hunger Relief Partners in this region, our team is able to meet the specific needs of these communities and bring food where it is needed most. We know that budgets can be stretched thin these days, so by leveraging the power of community and through programs like Everyday Eats for Older Adults, Food for Kids, mobile pantries, and more, Food Bank of the Rockies provides food to 1 in 9 people facing hunger in Colorado.Need a referral to your local food pantry? Do you want to apply for SNAP benefits? Want to learn more about our programs? Interested in volunteering or making a donation? We would love to hear from you! To contact us, please call 970-464-1138 or 877-953-3937 (toll-free) or visit foodbankrockies.org. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Food Bank of the Rockies. For more information, please call 303-371-9250.
A nutritious breakfast is beneficial not just for seniors but for anyone at any age. Our bodies need more energy and essential nutrients to stay healthy and strong as we age. Starting the day with a balanced meal can help improve mood, boost stamina, and enhance cognitive function. Senior Helpers shares a few easy and healthy breakfast ideas tailored for seniors and offers tips on making breakfast an enjoyable social activity.Nutrient-Rich Breakfast OptionsSeniors often need to pay closer attention to what they consume. Nutritious breakfast options that are easy to prepare and full of all the healthful vitamins and minerals seniors need are a good place to start. Here are some suggestions:Whole GrainsWhole grains are a great source of fiber and essential vitamins. They help maintain healthy digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels. Try oatmeal with bananas or a slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter. These breakfasts are simple to put together and offer a warm, satisfying start to the day.Protein-Rich Breakfast Protein is vital for maintaining muscle mass, which tends to decrease as we age. A protein-rich breakfast can help seniors stay strong and energized. Simple options include a hard-boiled egg, a yogurt parfait with nuts and berries, or a delicious omelet filled with your favorite vegetables.Fruits and VegetablesFruits and vegetables contain beneficial vitamins and minerals. For breakfast, consider making a smoothie with spinach, apple, and a small scoop of protein powder, or topping a slice of whole-grain toast with avocado and tomato. These are refreshing ways to get a natural nutrient boost.Addressing Common Dietary NeedsDietary requirements often change as we get older. Here are some breakfast ideas that cater to these needs:Reduced Sodium Reducing sodium intake is often necessary to help maintain healthy blood pressure. Try a bowl of low-sodium cottage cheese mixed with fresh peaches or strawberries for breakfast, or make a flavorful herb omelet using fresh herbs like parsley or dill for tasty and heart-healthy meals.Add Fiber Fiber is the key to healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common issue among seniors. Fiber-rich breakfast ideas include a bowl of bran cereal with sliced bananas or a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with raisins and almonds. Adding fiber to your diet is an easy way to support digestive health.Include Calcium and Vitamin D Fortified orange juice, a smoothie made with yogurt, or simply a glass of milk alongside your morning meal are great ways to include calcium and vitamin D in your breakfast. These additions help keep bones healthy and should be part of a balanced daily diet for seniors.How to Make Breakfast a Social ActivityBreakfast also provides the opportunity for seniors to connect with others. Eating together can improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness. Here are some ideas to make breakfast a social event:Plan a weekly breakfast gathering with friends or family.Host a potluck breakfast where everyone brings a dish to share.Organize a breakfast club with neighbors.Try virtual breakfast meet-ups using video calls to chat with loved ones.Join a local senior center for group breakfasts.Senior Helpers Knows the Benefits of a Healthy BreakfastSenior Helpers offers comprehensive, in-home senior care services customized to meet the specific needs of our community's seniors. If you live in the Cheyenne or Laramie areas, don't hesitate to contact us anytime at Senior Helpers Cheyenne. We are here to support you and your loved ones in leading a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle that includes a balanced breakfast meal.
As we age, our appetites can dwindle, and for many seniors, this decline can be attributed to a mix of factors like medication side effects, dental issues, or even loneliness. But theres good news. By understanding these underlying causes and making a few simple changes, we can help our aging loved ones regain their interest in food and maintain a healthy diet. At Always Best Care of Denver, were passionate about supporting seniors in enjoying nutritious meals that nourish both body and soul.What you will learn: Common causes behind decreased appetite in seniors. Simple ways to make meals more appealing and inviting for aging loved ones. How smaller, frequent meals and social dining can encourage better eating habits. Tips for easing eating difficulties and planning nutritious, enjoyable meals with caregiver support.Understanding the Underlying CausesBefore we can fix the problem, its crucial to figure out why our seniors might not be eating well. Some common culprits include: Medication side effects, like nausea or dry mouth. Dental issues or ill-fitting dentures. Difficulty chewing or swallowing. Depression, isolation, or grief. Chronic health conditions. Loss of taste or smell.Making Meals More AppealingSeniors are more likely to eat when food looks and smells great. Here are some tips to make meals more appealing: Add some color: Include a variety of colorful fruits and veggies in meals. Use attractive plates: Serve food on nice-looking plates to enhance the visual appeal. Boost flavor: Use herbs and spices to add flavor without excess salt. Set the mood: Soft lighting and pleasant background music can make mealtime more inviting.Serving Smaller, More Frequent MealsLarge meals can be overwhelming, especially for those with smaller appetites. Try offering: Three small meals and Two to three snacks throughout the day.Eating TogetherEating is often a social activity, and many seniors lose interest in food when theyre eating alone. Sharing meals with your loved one, even just once or twice a week, can make a big difference. If you cant be there regularly, arrange for other family members, friends, or a caregiver to join them.Making Eating EasierIf chewing or swallowing is difficult, focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or soups. Ensure that dentures fit properly and that any mouth pain is addressed by a dentist. Adjusting food textures or temperatures can also help increase comfort and interest in meals.Planning Ahead and Getting CreativeMeal planning can eliminate stress and encourage variety. Involve your loved one in choosing meals and groceries so they feel more engaged. Preparing meals ahead of time, trying new recipes, and incorporating favorite comfort foods can all help renew their interest in eating.How Always Best Care of Denver Can HelpHelping a senior maintain good nutrition doesnt have to fall entirely on your shoulders. At Always Best Care, our experienced caregivers can assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing tasty, nutritious meals tailored to your loved ones preferences and dietary needs. Whether its encouraging hydration, adjusting meals for swallowing difficulties, or simply providing companionship during mealtime, were here to help make eating a positive experience again.FAQQ: What are some common reasons for decreased appetite in seniors? A: Common reasons include medication side effects, dental issues, difficulty chewing or swallowing, depression, chronic health conditions, and loss of taste or smell.Q: How can I make meals more appealing to seniors? A: Use colorful fruits and veggies, serve food on attractive plates, add flavor with herbs and spices, and create a pleasant atmosphere with soft lighting and music.Q: What kind of meals are best for seniors with swallowing difficulties? A: Focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or soups.Schedule a Complimentary Consultation at Always Best Care of Denver!If your aging loved one is struggling with appetite loss or needs support with daily routines, contact Always Best Care of Denver at (303) 952-3060 to schedule a care consultation. Our compassionate caregivers are here to support health, wellness, and independencestarting right at the kitchen table.
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.
Comfort Keepers Grand Junction delivers award-winning, non-medical in-home senior care throughout Mesa CountyGrand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Redlands, and the wider Western Slope. Our trained caregivers provide:Personal Care & ADL support (bathing, dressing, mobility)Engaging Companion Care to ease loneliness and boost mental healthLight Housekeeping & Meal Prep for a safe, tidy homeSpecialized Alzheimers & Dementia Care that stimulates memory and preserves dignityRespite Care so family caregivers can rechargeEvery plan is built around our Interactive Caregiving approach, keeping seniors active, independent, and connected. Caregivers are background-checked, bonded, and matched to each clients personality and needs.As a locally owned family business rooted in Grand Junction, we partner with St. Marys Medical Center, Community Hospital, VA Western Colorado, senior centers, and rehab facilities to ensure seamless, coordinated care.Ready for reliable home care in Grand Junction and the surrounding Mesa County area? Call our main office at 970-241-8818 to schedule a free in-home assessment and experience the Comfort Keepers difference today.
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.