Age brings considerable changes to our nutrition needs; thus, watching what we eat is vital to ensuring that we supply our bodies with the needed nutrients. Adequate nutrition support that should also include proper weight and fitness levels is very important for the health of seniors. Find out more about the significant impact that nutrition has on seniors’ lives and health.
Nutritional Requirements of The Elderly
Our body undergoes numerous changes that definitely affect our nutritional needs. Older people usually have a slow metabolic rate and hence their calorie requirements are lower than those of younger people. But they should also see to it that their diet is reasonably balanced, providing them with needed support in order to maintain their good health.
Similarly, some seniors are more predisposed to certain conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes that can be managed through a good diet. For instance, a diet consisting of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods is protective against osteoporosis while high saturated fats and low sugar diets help in reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Benefits of Nutritional Aid For The Elderly
Good nutrition enables the elderly to manage their body weight at the right level, which in turn reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases, thus, ensuring a general state of health. With nutritional support provided by home health care in Doylestown, PA, seniors will be able to receive the necessary nutrients that will keep their body strong and healthy.
An individual can stay active despite the aging process if he or she gets a balanced diet with minerals, vitamins, and other necessary nutrients. Some dietary supplements can help seniors to be active and alert during the day. Proper nutrition is also an important element of the healthy immune system. Seniors who are well nourished are resistant to infections and illnesses, and yet they are unlikely to catch a disease.
The cognitive function can also be enhanced by nutritional support. Certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are beneficial to the brain and may thus reduce the risk of dementia among the elderly.
Nutrition Support For The Elderly
The role of nutrition in elderly health care is focused on meeting the dietary needs of older people in order to maximize their well-being and improve their quality of life. Various methods can be employed to ensure that elderly individuals are taken care of nutritionally.
Promoting eating different kinds of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fat sources provides variety in their food consumption, which can help in ensuring that they get all the nutrients their body needs. Not only processed foods, but also sugary snacks, and fatty food can be excluded from one’s diet, which is often good for one’s general nutritional intake.
One of the solutions for senior people to overcome dietary deficiencies is taking supplements if the gaps cannot be filled in by eating healthful foods. The best way to figure out whether your relative should be taking a supplement or which supplement you should give is to consult a healthcare provider.
Proper hydration is equally important as adequate nutrition among the elderly. Reiterate that seniors must consume water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated and healthy overall.
Seek Professional Guidance
If you’re not sure how to offer your senior loved one good nutritional support, seek advice from a registered dietitian or healthcare provider. Understanding the nutritional requirements of the elderly, providing appropriate support, and promoting healthy eating habits, will help your loved one lead a healthy and prosperous life while aging.
Find out more about home health care in Jenkintown, PA by contacting Victory Home Care! Our services allow you to care for your loved ones properly and ensure they stay in good health.