Maintaining a healthy diet becomes increasingly challenging as people approach their golden years, especially during the harsh winter months when road conditions are often too dangerous for driving. Older adults tend to lose their appetites more easily, they have diminished mobility, and they develop problems chewing and swallowing most foods. All of these factors combined can make it nearly impossible for most seniors to get the proper nutrition they need to lead a healthy lifestyle and improve their quality of life. Reputable senior care in Waterloo is a viable solution to this problem because not only are professional caregivers fully trained to guarantee the health and safety of your elderly loved one, but it’ll also give you reassurance that they’re in good hands. Continue reading to learn about important nutritional tips to keep your elderly loved one healthy and happy this winter!
Tips for Good Elderly Nutrition During the Winter Months
Incorporate Leafy Green Veggies
Full of antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients, leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are an excellent way to fend of colds and keep your elderly loved one regular this winter season. Stocking up on frozen or canned veggies is also a good way to make sure they’ll last longer and always available at a moment’s notice whenever you need them.
Give Them Lots of Grains
Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are a particularly good food choice for seniors because they’re packed with essential nutrients and they can help keep seniors full longer. This is ideal for older adults who have trouble eating or refuse to eat.
Increase Vitamin D Intake in Food
Since the sun seldom makes an appearance during the winter season, it’s important to find other ways for seniors to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Various grains, vitamin D fortified milk or milk products, eggs, and fish are all are all excellent ways to incorporate more nutrients and boost the health of seniors.
Emphasize the Importance of Eating Lunch
Seniors who live independently tend to skip meals because they either don’t have an appetite, they forget to eat, or they lack the resources to go grocery shopping on a regular basis. In the winter, frigidity, ice, and snow are the usual deterrents from going grocery shopping, which means seniors run out of necessary supplies quickly and fail to replenish them. For this reason, you need someone around to care for your elderly loved one and not only help them prepare simple, yet healthy meals but to also remind them when it’s time to eat lunch and actively encourage them to do so. The human body metabolizes the highest amount of fats, nutrients, and vitamins during the day so the earlier seniors eat, the better.
Add Lots of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce the risks of developing a great deal of potential health problems including inflammation cause by arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Avocados, flax seeds, and different nut varieties are all excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
Home Care Assistance – Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph is a renowned senior care organization that helps families of older adults find good quality and experienced caregivers to assist their elderly loved ones at home. The goal of our organization is to find the most suitable caregivers for our clients to meet their specific needs while enabling their elderly loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes. If you’re looking for a reputable caregiver to take care of your elderly loved one this winter, please contact us.