By 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans will be reaching the age of 65 or older, and the average life expectancy has passed 80 years for women and 75 years for men. However, this statistic does not mean that seniors do not face health issues.
Many older people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition, with the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating that most of the diseases seniors suffer result from a lack of proper diet. However, it can be avoided with a proper diet and healthy eating goals. A healthy lifestyle lessens the risk factors of degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illness.
People’s dietary requirements depend on their age as aging affects the nutrient needs of the body. Seniors would have a different diet plan compared with children and middle-aged adults. Hence, families and caregivers in Connecticut need to have a dietary plan for older people and note which food is best for them and which are not.
Accordingly, a dietary plan for seniors should include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Foods rich in carbohydrates (whole grains, sweet potations, and brown rice)
- Foods rich in protein (lean meat, poultry, seafood, dry beans or peas, and eggs)
- Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts)
- Foods rich in calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, and cereals)
Many older adults hope to stay independent and in control of their lives. However, some of our usual daily routines such as grocery shopping, cooking food, and housekeeping can become challenging to do as we age. It is worth considering that sometimes, the reduction in seniors’ food intake may be due to age-related challenges. Families need to keep an eye out for their senior loved ones and hire a live-in caregiver CT if they are having difficulties with their routines.
Many families consider hiring a professional caregiver to give their senior members the care and assistance they need as they grow older. Consequently, caregivers can ensure a healthy dietary plan for older people. Thus, assuring families that their loved one is well-taken care of.
Having a healthy lifestyle and proper diet can help people stay healthy and avoid diseases. Besides considering which food to include in a senior’s dietary plan, it would be better to look for nutritious foods that are easy to eat and digest. It comes as the basal metabolic rate declines as we age. This infographic of Euro-American Connections & Homecare details why seniors’ nutrition is important and how to make sure your elder loved one eats healthy meals.
