Good nutrition plays a big role in helping seniors to have better energy levels, improved immune health, and a higher quality of life. The problem is that maintaining healthy eating habits isn’t as easy for seniors to do over time, especially if they’re experiencing health changes, appetite changes, or mobility trouble. Setting some realistic nutrition goals helps seniors make gradual improvements in their habits so that they can make changes that last. Senior home care providers can help with these new routines.
Talk with Doctors About Necessary Changes
Before seniors consider making big changes, they should always talk with their doctors about what they’re thinking of trying. There may be nutritional goals that make more sense to make first or that seniors might want to reconsider, based on their health needs. Their doctors can help them to understand what exactly can give them the best support in the long run.
Make One Change Weekly
One idea that can help seniors feel less overwhelmed with this plan is to consider making only one change weekly or on whatever schedule is comfortable. Big changes all at once aren’t always easy to stick with, so making smaller changes is a lot easier. Some of the ideas that home care providers can help seniors try include adding one serving of vegetables to one meal a day or swapping out whole grains for refined versions.
Gradually Increase Water Intake
Dehydration causes big problems for aging adults, but the idea of drinking a ton of water is understandably not appealing. As with other changes, gradually increasing water intake can be the perfect answer. Taking some time to slowly ramp up hydration allows seniors to adjust over time, especially as improved hydration helps them to feel better. Keeping a water bottle available at all times is a simple way to get started.
Try Tweaking Favorite Recipes
Just because seniors want to eat healthier, that doesn’t mean that they want to, or should have to, give up their favorite recipes. Small adjustments to favorite recipes can yield some big results. Choosing leaner proteins, adding more vegetables, or changing up the cooking technique are just a few ideas to try. Senior home care providers can help seniors to find tweaks that they truly enjoy.
Swap Salt for Other Spices
Salt is a common culprit as seniors age and their health changes. But their taste buds change a bit, too, and seniors may find that instead of reducing their salt intake as their doctors advise, they might be going the other way more often than not. Switching out some of the salt in recipes for other herbs that are flavorful can help, while also offering health improvements. Keeping salt off the table can remove the temptation to add more during meals.
Small steps can give seniors some big results, especially when they have help from senior home care providers. Building healthier nutritional habits takes time and some commitment, but it’s possible and seniors can still enjoy their meals every single day.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Los Angeles, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
