The Importance of Nutrition for Elderly

Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet is important no matter how old you are. However, as you age, the quality of your diet can become even more important, especially if your health status is changing. Nutrition education counseling can give you the energy you need to stay active and enjoy your life.

Though good nutrition for senior citizens becomes more important as they age, eating a well-balanced diet can also become more challenging. This is especially true if you’re struggling with mobility and have trouble cooking for yourself in the same way you did before. 

This is where a high-quality assisted living facility can truly change your life for the better. Contact us today at 903.329.6520 to learn more about how our on-site chefs, dining halls, and in-home helpers could make a healthy, balanced diet so much easier (and more enjoyable) to maintain.   

What Are the Most Important Elderly Dietary Needs?

Elderly people need to maintain a diet that gives them all of the macronutrients and micronutrients they need to feel their best and support good health. Macronutrients include protein, carbohydrates, and fats, while micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that boost the health value of foods, even in small quantities. 

Though any balanced diet for elderly people should include a wide range of proteins, carbs, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals, each person’s specific dietary needs can vary greatly. 

That’s why you should always consult with your doctor before changing any habits around nutrition for senior citizens, especially if there are any preexisting health conditions.  

How to Create a Balanced Diet for Elderly People

Are you in the process of creating a diet plan for yourself or an elderly family member? The best place to start is to find some staple meals that provide all of the right nutrients, are easy to make, and taste delicious. Some great protein sources to center meals around include:

• Eggs
• Chicken breast
• Sliced turkey or chicken
• Canned tuna
• Lean hamburger patties

Though you can get as fancy or simple as you’d like, it’s usually best to start with inexpensive and easy-to-prepare foods so you can make sure you’ll always have a healthy protein source on hand. 

Pairing these protein sources with complex carbs like bread, rice, oatmeal, and potatoes, as well as some healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, peanut butter, and cheese, will make it easy to create balanced meals for elderly dietary needs that are just as nourishing as they are tasty. 

Also, adding some spinach, kale, or mixed vegetables on the side is an easy way to incorporate those crucial vitamins and minerals. 

As you build some staple meals to include in your diet, try to avoid foods with little nutritional value but high-calorie counts, such as baked goods, chips, candy, and soda. Though these foods are okay once in a while, they shouldn’t be included in your everyday meals for optimal health.

Why Nutrition for Elderly People Matters

Nutrition for elderly people is important for so many different reasons. 

A balanced, nutritious diet can help older people stay physically healthy well into their golden years and support positive mental health and a good outlook. This is crucial during the retirement age, as this period of life can come along with a lot of change.

Assisted Living with Mental and Physical Health in Mind at Westminster Place

At Westminster Place, we can help you or your loved one enjoy their golden years to the fullest with nutrition support and so much more. Our compassionate and professional staff is ready to answer your questions or provide any information you need. Contact us by calling 903.329.6520 or completing our online form today.