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A balanced diet plays a crucial role in health and wellness for everyone, but it’s especially essential for older adults. As we age, we’re more at risk for having nutritional deficiencies for many reasons, including:
Seniors who don’t get the nutrients they need are at greater risk for many health problems and might not be able to live as independently as they would like. But you can help your aging loved one get the nutrients they need from their diet and supplements, in addition to keeping an eye out for warning signs of nutritional deficiencies and knowing when it’s time to get help.
Older adults’ nutritional needs depend on each person’s medical requirements. However, there are a few key vitamins and nutrients that nearly all seniors need as part of a healthy diet.
The B-vitamins help your body get energy from the food you eat and help in making healthy red blood cells. These vitamins include:
All of the B-vitamins are important, but B12 has a number of important benefits, from boosting the immune system to keeping the nervous system in good shape. Older adults can get B12 in many kinds of food, such as:
Older adults, especially women, are at increased risk of bone loss as they age. We see many older clients who have a slouch in their back because of bone and joint issues. Althought some of a person's risk depends on family history and genetic background, it can also depend on the amount of calcium in their diet.
Having a calcium-rich diet can help your loved one reduce or avoid bone loss. As your loved one ages, they need to increase the amount of calcium they take in. That’s because we tend to absorb less calcium from our food as we age, so we need to take in more to make sure our bones get enough of this vital nutrient.
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements recommends the following daily amounts of calcium for older adults:
Dairy often comes to mind as the main source of calcium. While dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are a great source of calcium, lactose intolerance and other medical issues may prevent your loved one from being able to incorporate these items into their diet. If that’s the case, make sure they regularly eat a variety of other calcium-rich foods, such as:
Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sun vitamin” because we get it naturally through exposure to sunlight. However, it’s not unusual for older adults to need extra vitamin D if they don’t get outside much, if they live in areas that don’t get much sunlight, or if they have a deficiency to vitamin D.
If your loved one doesn’t get enough vitamin D, they can be at greater risk for health conditions ranging from diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis and even multiple sclerosis. In addition to healthy sun exposure — about 15 minutes of mid-day sunlight at least twice per week, according to the Cleveland Clinic — several foods are good sources of this vital nutrient. These foods include:
Magnesium, like calcium, plays an important role in bone health. It is also important to heart health. People who don’t get enough magnesium are at increased risk for many health problems, such as:
In addition, getting enough magnesium can also help your loved one sleep better at night. That’s because magnesium helps balance the nervous system.
Magnesium is included in a number of the foods we’ve already discussed, such as green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and some breakfast cereals. Your loved one can also incorporate magnesium into their diet by eating foods such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as omega-3 fatty oils, are well-known for their benefits to brain health. Omega-3s can also help reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease.
Several types of fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon and tuna. Look for cold-water fish to include in your loved one’s diet, such as mackerel, herring, and sardines, as these have high omega-3 levels. If your loved one isn’t a fish fan, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds also contain omega-3s.
It’s nearly always best for your aging loved one to get the vitamins and nutrients they need from the foods they eat. However, this isn’t always possible due to health issues, lack of certain foods in their area, or even personal tastes. In these cases, a multivitamin is a great option.
There are many different multivitamins on the market, which can make it challenging to find the best option. Work with your loved one’s doctor and/or pharmacist to find one that meets their needs.
Some older adults already take a number of pills each day and don’t want to take another, especially one that’s as large as some multivitamins are. If this is the case, a liquid or powdered multivitamin might be a better option. Liquid multivitamins can easily go into a morning glass of juice, while powdered options can go into a milkshake for dessert.
In many cases, it’s not the type of multivitamin that’s the problem — it’s remembering to take it. Setting daily reminders on smartphones, tablets, or smart speakers (such as Google Home or Amazon Echo) can be helpful to remind older adults and their caregivers that it’s time for a vitamin. Work with your loved one on the best time for them to take their multivitamin each day.
It’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs that your aging loved one isn’t getting the vitamins and nutrients they need. Older adults with cognitive issues, depression, or social isolation may show little or no interest in meals, so keeping an eye on appetite can clue you in on something larger that’s going on.
It’s also important to watch out for weight changes. In some disease processes, the body loses some of its ability to absorb food and the nutrients it contains, which can lead to weight loss. Significant weight loss can lead to poorly fitting dentures, which can cause mouth pain and/or a lack of enjoyment of the food they eat. That often leads to not eating enough, which just leads to more weight loss — a vicious cycle that requires medical attention.
On the other end of the spectrum, weight gain from heart failure and other heart conditions, typically in the form of fluid weight, can lead to eating problems for older adults. Extra weight on the chest and around the lungs can mean your loved may experience shortness of breath while they eat, or they may have to wear oxygen during meals. This can lead to needing more calories to breathe than they get from their food, or they may skip meals to avoid feeling uncomfortable.
Even changes in taste as your loved one ages can lead to nutritional issues. The tongue’s taste buds lose some of their ability to taste as we age, which means older adults often prefer foods with a lot of flavor, such as sugar-filled sweets. They may gravitate toward cake, candy, and cookies over more nutritious foods because they can taste the sweets better. If this is the case for your loved one, talk about steps you can take to make their food taste better, such as adding a honey glaze to salmon.
It’s often a challenge for family caregivers to manage older adults’ nutritional issues on their own. Working with your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist, as well as a nutritionist, and any other members of their medical care team is important to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
The expert caregivers at BrightStar Care can provide an added layer of security for your loved one. As part of our nurse-led care, a registered nurse oversees the care plan for each of our clients to make certain that their needs are being met. Our nurses are trained to review clients’ medications to confirm that there are no negative interactions with their vitamins, supplements, and dietary plans.
Our care team can help streamline your loved one’s nutritional support to make it work better and more efficiently for them in many areas, such as:
Our in-home care professionals can help bring consistency to older adults who may be used to a more structured meal schedule with their families but who aren’t getting that now. We offer various levels of support, from companion care to care from a certified nursing assistant, all under the oversight of one of our registered nurses. We’re here to help your loved one get the best care.
You may feel overwhelmed at having to manage your aging loved one’s nutritional needs, but you don’t have to deal with these issues alone. Call 866-618-7827 or contact a BrightStar Care® home care agency near you to learn more about how we can help your loved one get the vitamins and nutrients they need.
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
BrightStar Care of North Sarasota provides a comprehensive range of in-home care services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. Dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care, BrightStar Care offers both medical and non-medical services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship. Their team of highly trained and compassionate caregivers is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of clients in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on maintaining the highest standards of care, BrightStar Care of North Sarasota is a trusted partner in enhancing the quality of life for those they serve.
BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency offering Companion Services (meal prep, transportation, light housekeeping), Personal Care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and Skilled Care (assessments, medication management, med box fills). We also provide Medical Staffing. BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and Awarded Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice 2016 - 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded and insured. We are available 24/7...Just a phone call away!
BrightStar Care of Bradenton offers a wide array of in-home care services tailored to meet the individual needs of clients. Known for their commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care, BrightStar Care delivers both medical and non-medical services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship. Their team of professional caregivers is dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and quality of life for clients in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on personalized care plans and a commitment to excellence, BrightStar Care of Bradenton is a trusted resource for families seeking reliable and comprehensive home care solutions.