Genetics plays a huge part in how people age, but there are also other factors. Physical activity, socialization, and healthy eating increase health and well-being. Adding home care assistance to seniors’ routines helps make sure they stay on top of any negative issues that may arise.
Food to Focus On For Healthy Eating
Many dieticians state that following a Mediterranean-type diet is one of the best tactics for healthy eating. This includes focusing on nutrient-dense foods that improve heart health and decrease inflammation. Eating this way can also improve brain health and strengthen bones. Tips for eating the Mediterranean way are listed below.
- Cook with olive oil
- Eat more fish
- Eat and snack on vegetables throughout the day
- Focus on whole grains
- Add nuts to meals
- Increase fruit intake
- Take time to enjoy the meal
Tips for Healthy Meal Planning
Adding home care assistance to help seniors’ meal plan gives them the knowledge they need to ensure healthy eating. For seniors with mobility issues, shopping for food might be difficult. Home care team members eliminate this issue as they can transport seniors to the store and help them shop for what they need. They can also shop for seniors based on the weekly meals they plan.
Working with apps to find the best prices, cutting coupons, and organizing the pantry and cabinets are key steps to meal planning. Kitchen appliances that work double-duty and are easy to clean are also essential.
It’s important to keep meal planning simple. Find five to six meals that seniors will enjoy and focus on those meals. Also, consider meals that do double duty. Can the chicken that was used for dinner the night before be used for lunch the next day? Additionally, consider seniors’ ability to cook. Will they be able to follow the meals? If not, consider the benefits of home care assistance to cook certain parts of the meal or the whole thing.
Unique Needs of Seniors to Ensure Healthy Eating
Seniors must have meals that are easy to fix, healthy, and easy to eat. As seniors age, changes in their bodies and the ability to process certain foods affect their eating habits. This is especially true when seniors have dental issues.
Choose foods high in beneficial nutrients and low in sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Additionally, ensure that meals planned are high in protein to help build muscle mass. Talk with medical professionals about nutrients that might be lost due to medications or chronic illness.
Seniors can learn more about healthy eating and receive recipes by following the MyPlate Plan offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Home care assistance professionals can help seniors set up the plan by adding height, weight, age, and other factors on the USDA website.
Eating healthy is one of the best ways to ensure seniors continue functioning at their best. In addition to creating a meal plan with seniors, home care assistance ensures they remain active, receive necessary socialization, and have help with light cleaning in the home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Phoenix, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
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Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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