The Importance of Nutrition for Seniors & Families

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

Eating well gives you energy, helps control your weight, and may also prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. But as we age, our bodies and lives change, along with what we need to stay healthy. Older adults have unique dietary needs, and a focus on getting the right nutrients can help prevent injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life all around.

Why is basic meal planning important for seniors?
Meal planning helps seniors control blood pressure and cholesterol while maintaining a healthy weight and good energy and nutrition levels. Whether you’re managing a loved one’s chronic disease or focusing on prevention, it’s crucial to consider the types of food, portion sizes, food combinations, and timing of meals that will help them thrive. Even in the absence of chronic disease or illness, meal planning can improve overall health and quality of life!

How can a caregiver help my loved one get the nutrients they need?
Trained caregivers help identify the barriers to healthy eating and help older adults overcome them. There are a variety of strategies to help, including:

• Creating a consistent meal/snack schedule
• Curating a positive atmosphere around eating
• Encouraging social meals
• Exploring healthy meal delivery options and other conveniences
• Meal preparation with foods rich in nutrients
• Preparing food in different ways to find textures and combinations that are enjoyable

What foods and nutrients should seniors be focusing on?
Older adults often have higher protein requirements and lower calorie requirements than younger adults, but everyone needs proper nutrients. Generally, it’s important to eat foods that give you lots of nutrients without a lot of extra calories, such as brightly colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meats and seafood, eggs, and beans, nuts, and seeds. Try to limit foods like chips, candy, baked goods, soda, and alcohol.

How much sodium do older adults need?
Because kidney function decreases with age, seniors might have a harder time removing excess sodium from the body, so they must be particularly cautious about sodium intake. Sodium, in the right amounts, helps maintain fluid balance in the body and is crucial for nerve and muscle function. But too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, which senior adults are already at high risk for. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends getting 1,300mg of sodium per day for adults 51-70 and 1,200mg per day for adults over 70. Both age groups should have no more than 2,300mg of sodium per day.

Why is protein important for older adults?
Eating enough protein can help prevent the loss of muscle mass that occurs naturally with age. Protein also supports the immune system and helps blood carry oxygen around the body. Older adults often eat too little protein—especially adults aged 71 and older. If you’re already eating the recommended amount of meat, poultry, and eggs, or you don’t enjoy these foods, consider other great sources like seafood, dairy and fortified soy alternatives, beans, peas, and lentils!

How ComForCare Caregivers Support Senior Nutrition
Even knowing the importance of proper nutrition, many seniors and their families face barriers to healthy eating. ComForCare helps fill the gaps, whether that means finding affordable healthy options, preparing meals for a loved one who struggles with a lack of appetite, or making portions easier for those with chewing, swallowing, and other mobility difficulties. We use the MyPlate Program to ensure that every person in our care achieves a balanced diet, getting the nutrients they need in a way that is enjoyable, comfortable, and convenient for them!

Introducing Care Kitchen!
Enjoy free cooking demonstrations anytime on our Care Kitchen YouTube channel

ComForCare Home Care is a premier provider of in-home care, helping older adults live independently in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. The home care company is committed to helping people live their best life possible and also offers special programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Portions of this article were originally featured on blog.comforcare.com.

ComForCare Home Care
Serving Fairfield & New Haven Counties
1700 Post Road, Suite E5
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 612-8966
ComForCare.com/FairfieldCT
[email protected]

This is a paid post contributed by a Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.