The best foods for seniors in assisted care aren’t so different from what anyone should eat. Paying attention to the variety and quality of what we consume on a day-to-day basis is important. Failure to supply our bodies with appropriate nutrition robs them of the chance to heal and work optimally.
In the case of senior care nutrition, eating well has never been so important. Maintaining a certain level of general health greatly improves quality of life, and all it takes is to be a little more discerning when it comes to diet.
Read on for some of the top foods for seniors that don’t sacrifice flavor for health.
1. Leafy Greens
This one might seem obvious, as we were all told to choke down our salad as children. We’ve learned by rote that leafy greens are amongst the healthiest options when it comes to food, and some of us have even come to love them. What used to be a trial to complete has become essential to any well-rounded meal.
A side salad is a great help for ensuring seniors get the nutrition they need. Even a small portion, depending on the salad, contains essential vitamins and nutrients such as A, C, K, and folate, which aren’t found in great abundance elsewhere.
2. Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are another essential to include in the diet when health and longevity are a concern. Fish is a particularly rich source of omega-3, which supports brain function and lowers inflammation. Increased cognitive function and heart health go hand in hand with optimal levels of omega-3, not to mention the reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The beauty of fish is that their nutritional profile is so high while also being a firm favorite in terms of taste. A salmon steak is a delectable dinner, so much so that you’d be forgiven for feeling guilty. In truth, fish is one of the healthiest foods there is, so we make full use of the fact!
3. Berries
Berries are the darling of the health food world where healthy eating for seniors is concerned, and for good reason. For a start, they’re a delight to add to any diet without the need to feel guilty for indulging. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants, helping to maintain a healthy immune system.
They’re even compatible with low-carb diets in moderation, and help to reduce the chances of developing diabetes when used as a replacement for candy. A handful of blueberries, for example, contain around half the daily requirement of vitamin K alone, so they make a wonderful addition to any diet.
4. Whole Grains
You’re sure to have heard of this one before. Whole grains are cereals that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. These parts are typically where the nutrition is found, but modern-day processing allows for them to be easily stripped for a more appealing look.
This is so backward an idea that most grains have to be re-fortified with what was taken from them to be considered nutritious foods for seniors. Fortunately, this lapse in judgment is losing popularity in favor of leaving them whole, and grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat are back on the menu.
These whole grains help regulate blood sugar levels and digestive health all while being a reliable and long-lasting energy source.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds make fantastic snacks throughout the day and also work well in salads, depending on your taste. Compared to sugary treats high in calories and all but empty of nutritional value, nuts and seeds make for a fantastic alternative when it comes to improving senior nutrition.
Small changes, especially in diet, soon add up to a noticeable difference in energy and mood.
Due to their high values of potassium and magnesium, they also make for palatable supplements for seniors who aren’t keen on taking a handful of vitamins every morning. They’re also packed with helpful minerals in amounts hard to find elsewhere.
6. Dairy
Calcium and vitamin D are among the most important for keeping seniors spry and on the move. Reduced levels of mobility sometimes hinder seniors from getting sufficient sunlight to make vitamin D, which cheeses, milk, and yogurt have in spades. They’re also calorically dense, meaning seniors with low appetites will still get a lot of energy from a relatively small portion.
Many yogurts and cheeses are proven to bolster gut flora, which studies suggest has an immensely positive effect on the digestive system at large. They’re also ideal for promoting bone health, reducing fragility, and ensuring a robust body well into old age.
There’s also something to be said for encouraging seniors to make their own yogurt, which is a fulfilling and engaging process that’s a lot simpler than you might expect.
7. Lean Protein
We’ve saved the most important for last, in that lean protein is an invaluable foundation for general health. Protein is the building block for all the tissues in our body. It’s used to create more muscle and also to repair existing muscle, which means slowing the loss of general physical ability.
When looking at all the markers for health in seniors, muscle mass is among the best indicators for mental acuity and general quality of life. Retaining as much muscle mass as possible as we age is the best strategy we have for health in later life. For this reason, we take the inclusion of protein in the diet of our seniors very seriously.
Lean meats such as chicken and turkey are especially useful to this end. Vegetarian and vegan proteins are also available in the form of beans, lentils, and tofu, among others.
The Best Foods for Seniors in Assisted Care
Ultimately the most important factor to consider when it comes to the best foods for seniors in assisted care is that they’re made available. Senior dietary choices are personal and are made for a wide range of reasons. At Morada Lawton, we understand how valued a good meal is, and how important it is to align with each person’s tastes.
If you have any questions regarding dietary requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to hear from you.
