Being a provider of home care service in Bethel, Connecticut, we place great importance on senior nutrition and meal planning.
According to NCOA, our metabolism slows down with age. Due to this, seniors need fewer calories than before. However, they still need a certain amount of nutrients. This is why it is important to create a meal plan for seniors that include food with higher nutritional value and less excess fat.
Here are some tips from helpguide.org for caregivers preparing a healthy meal plan for seniors:
- Fruits and vegetables.
Aim for 2-3 servings a day. You can make these appetizing with olive oil, goat cheese, or chili flakes. - Calcium.
Have calcium from milk, yogurt, cheese, and non-dairy sources to maintain bone health. - “Good fat” not “no fat”.
Have healthy fast such as omega 3s to protect against disease and improve brain function. - Varied protein sources.
Too much of processed meat products can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. Go for varied sources such as fish, beans, peas, eggs, and nuts instead. - Fiber.
Women over 50 should eat at least 21 grams of fiber daily while men over 50 should eat at least 30 grams.
Do you find it too overwhelming to prepare a meal plan for your senior loved one? We at Home Care Providers of Connecticut can help you.
We are a Homecare Agency in Connecticut that provides services such as companionship and homemaking, personal care services, disease management programs, and concierge services.