A Healthy Diet is Important for Seniors

We know it is important for everyone to eat well and seniors are no exception.  In fact Help.guide.org, the non-profit guide to mental health and well-being, suggests that for those over 50, “the benefits include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems.”

The USDA recommends that seniors make some simply modifications to their diet to ensure the food they eat is rich in nutrients and vitamins and to try to avoid unhealthy options.   Their suggestions include instead of using salt to flavor food, seniors should get in the habit of using spices and herbs. Also have available sliced fruits and vegetables for snacks and meals.   They also recommend eating foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals and to drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk daily.  If you cannot tolerate milk, then eat yogurt, hard cheeses or lactose-free foods.   Most importantly they remind seniors to drink water, not soda or other sugary drinks.  

As some seniors suffer from a decreased appetite due to lack of exercise or from medications, it is even more critical that the food they do eat is nutritional.  In addition eating healthy foods helps to maintain your weight or to lose weight if you need to.  The daily diet for seniors should include colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.  

The National Institute of Aging says physically inactive women over 50 need to consume about 1600 calories a day, and those somewhat active women should get around 1800 calories.  For women over 50 who lead a very active lifestyle, they need approximately 2,000 calories daily.  Men over 50 not physically active only need 2,000 calories, somewhat active men about 22-2400 and very active men require 2400-2800 calories daily.

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/eating-well-as-you-age.htm choosemyplate.gov/older-adults