Most people know that the quality of your diet can make a big difference in your overall health and energy levels from day to day. For residents in senior living, nutrition education counseling can be helpful in addition to plenty of access to healthy, delicious meals to help teach seniors about their dietary needs.Â
Though a healthy diet should always be a priority, eating the right foods becomes even more important as you age. Seniors can be more susceptible to illness and injury, which means supporting good health with a balanced diet could act as a preventative measure against health issues.
Visit our website or call us at 903.329.6520 today to learn more about the work we do at Westminster Place for maintaining health in seniors.
Elderly-Friendly Foods to Keep Seniors Happy and Healthy
Looking for some recommendations to keep yourself or an elderly loved one healthy and feeling their best? Try these senior nutrition tips, and keep these elderly-friendly foods included in your diet on a regular basis.
Include a Protein Source in Each Meal
Protein is one of the most crucial macronutrients that people consume. Protein supports strength and muscle retention, which can help to keep seniors safe from injury in the event of a fall. Additionally, protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer, allowing you to enjoy all of your favorite activities without feeling low on energy.Â
Some healthy and less expensive sources of protein include:
- Chicken breast
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Lean ground beef
- Tofu
- Fish
There are many different ways to prepare these foods and pair them with other items to create a complete meal. Make it a goal to include a protein source in each meal. If you have trouble, you can always supplement your intake with tasty protein shakes or protein bars.
Prioritize Complex Carbs and Healthy Fats
Maintaining health in seniors is easy as long as you keep the right food items on hand. Protein is just one macronutrient; the others are carbohydrates and fats, which should be consumed in healthy quantities as well. Here are some examples of complex carbohydrates that will give you energy and fuel your daily life:
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
To create full meals, you can pair your carbohydrate and protein sources with a healthy fat source, such as:
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Cheese
- Nuts and nut butters
Not only do healthy fats make your meals more enjoyable to eat, but they also boost satiety and keep you feeling fuller for longer.Â
For seniors, the goal should be to fill each meal with a source of each macronutrient as well as some greens or berries to support your intake of vitamins and minerals.
Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
When it comes to senior nutrition tips, many people forget about the importance of staying hydrated. Drinking enough water will help to keep your hair and skin healthy, support good digestion, and keep your energy levels high. The current recommendation is eight glasses of water per day.
Ask Your Doctor for Dietary Recommendations for Seniors
At the end of the day, your doctor will be able to give you the most specific recommendations when it comes to elderly-friendly foods and your needs based on your health and ability levels. Make sure to ask your doctor about their dietary recommendations for seniors and for you in particular.
Enjoy Your Golden Years at Westminster Place
Our dedicated team at Westminster Place works around the clock to keep our residents happy and healthy. Ready to learn more? Call us at 903.329.6520 or fill out our online form today.