Are you wondering what the healthiest foods for the elderly are? Do you have an elderly person at home, and you are wondering what to feed them? Here is the list of the healthiest food for the elderly.
The nutritional requirements of the elderly are different from others. Due to the advancement of age, their body system begins to weaken, their immune system becomes less active, their organs begin to lose vitality, and they are prone to more terminal diseases.
The USDA even drafted a food pyramid where people can see what they should eat daily.
What are the Guidelines for Choosing the Healthiest Foods For The Elderly?
Below are the guidelines to help you choose the right food for the elderly.
1. Nutrient-rich Foods
The nutrient demand for the elderly is more than that of the young or middle age persons. At this stage, lower your calorie intake. Avoid high sugar and calories like deep-fried food, soda, and junk. Eat more natural meals rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Examples of the healthiest food for the elderly include the following:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean protein
- Beans and lentils
- Low-fat dairy items
2. Healthier Convenience Food Options
If you are elderly and still have a busy schedule and still depend on convenience food, there are healthier options you can try out instead of snacking, which is unhealthy for your health.
- Instant oatmeal
- Frozen unsweetened fruit or low-sugar canned fruit
- Low-sodium canned vegetables.
3. Fiber-Rich Food
To keep your digestive system healthy and functioning correctly, you need to maintain fiber-rich food as an elderly person. Also, fiber-rich food protects your body from developing gut or digestive-related problems. Examples of fiber-rich food are:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Oats and oat bran
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans and lentils
4. Plenty Water
As an elderly person, taking enough water is essential for your body’s functionality.
Aging decreases the body’s water content, which increases the level of Dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to increased mortality rate, digestive issues, and the development of acute problems in the body, such as kidney problems and weak liver functioning.
Hence, seniors need to drink plenty of water and look for ways to stay more hydrated.
Examples of Healthiest Food for the Elderly
Below are lists of certain foods that are perfect for older adults.
List of Best Dairy Products and Nuts
- Walnuts
- Low-fat yogurt
- Almond
- Low-fat cheese
- Low-fat milk
List of Best Fruits
- Mangoes
- Peaches
- Raspberries
- Papaya
- Avocados
- Strawberries
List of Best Vegetable
- Beets
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
List of Best Protein Food Sources
- Eggs
- Seafood
- Lean meat
- Poultry
List of Best Whole Grains and Seeds
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread
- Beans
- Nut
- Seeds
Conclusion
In addition to food, adequate exercise is required to maintain balanced health. Always ensure you go for your checkups.
If you are suffering from any terminal disease as an elderly such as hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson’s, lung diseases, arthritis, or cancer, you might need a more specialized meal plan.
In this case, your doctor will direct you to a dietician who will draft a specialized meal plan you can follow.
