National Nutrition Month, celebrated in March, stresses the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. Malnutrition is one of the biggest health issues facing the elderly, particularly those living alone. As a dedicated in-home caregiver, Cypress HomeCare Solutions understands that it can be difficult for aging adults to make healthy meals consistently. We focus on the importance of making informed food choices through our meal planning and preparation services. Here are three ways we can help with meal planning for aging adults.
1. Utilize Each Food Group
Simple adjustments can go a long way toward building healthier eating patterns. According to the National Institute on Aging, enjoying a variety of foods from each food group can help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, older adults should pay special attention to their protein intake and ensure they are getting enough protein daily to keep their muscles healthy.
2. Gather Inspiration for Delicious and Nutritious Meals
Eating healthy isn’t supposed to be boring or difficult. An in-home caregiver from Cypress HomeCare Solutions can help aging adults set diet and nutrition goals and benchmarks, as well as provide great ideas for healthy meals that are also delicious.eWe’ll find recipes for every taste, cultural tradition, and cooking style to suit your needs.
3. Understand New or Difficult Preferences
Our in-home caregiver will always be patient and kind to aging adults. Many times, a person’s taste will change with age, and they may not understand why they no longer like the foods they used to. It’s also common for seniors to deal with appetite loss, which can make eating additionally difficult.
Other common causes of appetite loss in adults over the age of 65 include loneliness, depression, and undiagnosed illnesses. These illnesses can include periodontal diseases, Alzheimer’s or dementia, cancers (stomach, pancreatic, ovarian, and lung), kidney failure, and thyroid issues.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we make eating a social activity and not a chore. We’ll help you determine which foods you love currently and what might be impacting your appetite so we can create meals to suit your needs and your tastes. We’ll ensure you receive the adequate nutrition you need to stay healthy. Aging adults may have trouble with meal planning and preparation and won’t get the nutrients they need. Our in-home caregiver will provide compassionate and detailed care for you or your loved one. Give Cypress HomeCare Solutions a call today for more information.
Posted February 27, 2023
