Helping Seniors with a High Protein Diet

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Home Helpers Senior Care At Home - Greater Denver Metro

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Posted on

Mar 08, 2024

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

Did you know that a diet high in protein is incredibly important for seniors? Protein is particularly important right before medical procedures or surgery and can help the healing time during an acute illness when the body doesn’t digest protein as easily. For our seniors, they especially need high-protein diets to maintain good bone density and muscle mass!

However, research has shown that a third of senior adults are not getting adequate amounts of protein in their diets. It’s due to several reasons, including:

  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Taste impairments
  • Limitations financially
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dental problems

The problem is compounded even more because older adults tend to not be as active in their lifestyle, and this can make the lack of protein consumption even more pronounced. Some of the damaging impacts can include:

  • Decreased mobility
  • Decreased muscles mass
  • Weak bone density
  • Longer times of recovery after illness or medical procedures
  • Eventual loss of independence

Ready for some good news? Well, older seniors who do get the protein that is needed will be far more likely to avoid any or all of these problems! They will stay independent much longer and maintain their ability to do tasks like getting dressed, seeing to their hygiene needs, climbing stairs, and even walking! A study at Purdue University states that “While eating an adequate amount of protein is not going to prevent age-associated loss of muscle altogether, not eating enough protein can be an exacerbating factor that causes older adults to lose muscle faster.”

The study also shows us that whenever possible, protein intake should come from natural food sources, rather than supplements like shakes. A good number to shoot for with protein consumption on a daily basis is about .8 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. This would mean that a woman weighing 120 lbs. should have 48 grams of protein each day. If seniors are already going through the aforementioned challenges, they can increase the protein to 1.5 grams per 2.2 pounds.

How do we increase protein naturally?

Here are some excellent food options that are rich in protein:

  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Lentils and beans
  • Chicken
  • Meat
  • Milk
  • Broccoli

Of course, you should always consult with the treating physician before changing your older loved one’s diet, but this guide can give you the general things to be aware of. Having your fridge stocked with items that are rich in protein, along with pre-cooked healthy meals high in nutrition can make a world of difference. Don’t forget healthy snacks too!

For more information and support on your senior’s dietary needs, please contact us today! We can help with meal preparation and other plans to make sure your senior loved one stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible!

Home Helpers of Metro Denver is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer's & dementia care, Parkinson's care as well as homemaker services in Denver, Centennial, Arvada, Littleton, Aurora, Lakewood, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek, Englewood, Bailey, Golden, The Highlands, Wheat Ridge, Glendale, Cherry Hills Village, and Evergreen, Colorado.

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Local Services By This Author

Home Helpers Home Care- Greater Denver Metro

Non-Medical 2480 South Downing Street, Denver, Colorado, 80210

At Home Helpers Home Care, we are committed to making life easier by providing In-Home Care for our Seniors and families. Our promise is to care for each client as if we are caring for a loved one in our own family. As little as 1 hour up to 24 hours and Live-in care available.Our comprehensive in-home care services are customized to accommodate your loved ones unique requirements. We understand that the care they may need today might not be what they need in the future.Were a locally owned, and a trusted provider of quality, compassionate senior home care, covering all of Metro Denver.  Home Helpers Home Care customizes our in-home care services to your unique situation for an affordable solution that keeps your elderly loved one where theyre happiest, at home.  Give us a call today at 303-777-7870 and ask to speak to Rick or a member of his support team.