Healthy eating is one of the cornerstones of a happy, productive life. The foods we eat affect our health, energy levels, moods, and the overall quality of our lives. The same is true during all phases of our lives. As we age, however, our risk of developing health conditions increases, our appetites diminish, and certain parts of our brains shrink, all of which can interfere with nutrition intake. If you’re caring for a senior and worry if their nutrition needs are being met, there are things you can do to help ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. Read on to learn more about nutrition for seniors. 

Nutrition for seniors: what caregivers should know

Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, looking out for an elderly neighbor, or professionally managing the daily care of a client, it’s important to talk with their doctor about the foods they should be eating. But you’ll also want to remember that assisting with nutrition isn’t just about having the right foods on hand. It’s also about helping to ensure that those foods are eaten and enjoyed. Here are a few basic tips for caregivers: 

Know your nutrients - Many seniors have dietary requirements given to them by their doctor, and it’s crucial that you help them follow these. It’s also important to know the nutrition basics so you know what to look for at the grocery store and in the refrigerator.

In general, healthy eating includes:

• A wide variety of fruits and vegetables (eat the rainbow)

• Whole grains

• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products

• Non-dairy products fortified with vitamin D and calcium

• Lean meats

• Seafood

• Eggs

• Legumes, nuts, seeds

This list may sound basic, and maybe even a little boring, but there are an abundance of delicious meals and snacks that can be created from these ingredients. Gather a list of specific foods from each category and ask your senior which ones appeal to them. That will give you a place to start grocery shopping and recipe making.

 Grocery shop together

When grocery shopping is a collaborative effort, it enables the caretaker to help guide the individual toward healthy choices that satisfy their preferences and dietary requirements. It also allows the senior to be an active participant in their own health and wellbeing. 

Eat together

Sharing a meal is an opportunity to experience the social and pleasurable aspects of eating. If the senior requires assistance with feeding themselves, making it difficult for you to eat at the same time, try engaging with your other senses, pointing out the enticing aroma or the visual appeal of the food, or sharing associated memories. As you engage with the food in your own way, it can help stimulate the senior’s enjoyment of the experience as well.  

Small frequent meals

Most seniors don’t eat enough in a single sitting to get all their nutrients into three meals. Instead, try smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Just be sure to plan ahead so they’re getting proper nutrition, not just snacks. 

Optimize the appetite (exercise)

It’s common for the appetite to diminish with age. But you can help optimize it by keeping the senior active and participating in daily exercise. Building up the appetite provides more opportunities to nourish the individual with healthy foods. 

Pay attention to fluid intake

Nothing kills the appetite quite as much as a clogged digestive system.  Caregivers can help keep things moving by frequently offering small quantities of fluid often throughout the day, and serving foods with high water-content (such as watermelon or broth). 

Minimize distractions

The fewer distractions there are during the dining experience, the more likely the individual is to focus on feeding themselves and enjoying their food. This means turning off the television, reducing clutter on the table, and limiting the decor and table settings to just what’s needed for this meal. 

The more you know about health and nutrition, the better equipped you’ll be to ensure that the senior you’re caring for is getting the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy diet.

Nutritious meals and rehabilitative care in San Diego | Bella Vista 

At Bella Vista Health Center, our goal is to empower patients and rehabilitate them back to their personal best. Our team includes not only physical and occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, and other medical practitioners, but also a registered dietician who provides residents with nutritious meals, making special accommodations for allergies and medical conditions, as well as dietary preferences and religious needs. For more information about our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or drop by for a tour today.