Seniors need to eat healthy meals all year round, but summer does bring unique challenges and opportunities that might make that more difficult than usual. Home care services can make it a lot easier for older adults to eat regular, healthy meals without having to expend tons of energy themselves to do so.
Here are some suggestions to healthy eating for seniors:
Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
A balanced diet for seniors is one that includes a variety of different foods, including whole grains and lean proteins. It should also include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. In the summer, there are tons of seasonal produce options like berries, melons, leafy greens, tomatoes, and more. All of these options are healthy choices that are flavorful and fit into many different eating plans.
Enjoy Lighter Meals
During the heat of the summer, lighter and more refreshing meals are a good idea. They’re easier on the digestive system and they don’t tend to heat up the house, either. Salads, smoothies, and even cold soups can be excellent choices. Seniors might opt to eat smaller meals or even snacks more frequently throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to encourage seniors to listen to their bodies to gauge their appetites, eating when they are hungry instead of at set times.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is always important for aging adults, but the risk of dehydration is a bigger worry in the hotter months of the year. Many seniors don’t have the same thirst triggers that they had in the past, either, so they might not drink as much water and other fluids as they should. Senior care providers can help them to remember to sip on water, unsweetened teas, and other clear beverages throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Limit Excess Salt and Sugar
Unsweetened tea can be an important addition to a senior’s hydration arsenal because excess sugar can actually contribute to dehydration. It can also be a problem for someone with high blood pressure or diabetes, so it’s best to limit sugar intake. Too much salt can also be a problem, so it’s important to keep tabs on these two ingredients.
Pay Attention to Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, support heart health, and are great for brain health, too. Fatty fish like salmon or tuna are excellent sources. Walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are great plant-based sources for these healthy oils.
Respect Food Safety Rules
Summer is not the time to ignore food safety rules. Leaving leftovers out for too long, storing food improperly, or cooking food to incorrect temperatures can be a recipe for disaster. Home care providers can help aging adults respect food safety rules and follow good food safety practices on a regular basis.
Focusing on eating healthy foods helps older adults to maintain their health and experience a better quality of life overall. Having help from home care services is a great way for family caregivers to ensure that their seniors are getting the assistance they need in order to stay happy and healthy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Olive Branch TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (901) 300-8576
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland, Hernando, Olive Branch, Arlington, Atoka, Southaven, Bartlett, Marion, Shelby County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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