Although it becomes more important to eat a healthy diet as we age, it can be challenging for older adults to take the first important step. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including financial constraints and mobility limitations that make meal preparation hard. However, there are ways to encourage the older adult in your life to adopt a healthy diet. In this article, we share with you some ways you can get your loved one started on a healthy diet for seniors.
Write Out a Shopping List
If budget is the reason driving your loved one to binge on low-cost processed foods, sit down with them and come up with a shopping list. When you know what you need to buy in advance, this cuts down the chances of picking up junk food and tossing them into the trolley, sometimes even subconsciously. Some key items to include on this list include fruits, vegetables, and fish. You may also wish to make the switch to online shopping if it is more convenient for your loved one’s needs, or accompany them on their weekly grocery run.
See It as a Lifestyle Change
One thing your loved one should absolutely avoid doing is a crash diet. This means adhering to a specific diet for a short period of time before lapsing back to old habits. Eating a healthy diet is a lifestyle change and should be viewed as such if you are to achieve any long-term success. If they are finding it hard, encourage your loved one to start by making some small changes.
Enlist Help with Meal Preparation
For some older adults, especially those who have trouble getting around, the main issue can be meal preparation. If your loved one is confined to a wheelchair, for instance, preparing their own meals can be hard as they are not at the right height to use the stove and/or kitchen countertops. This can drive them to consume mostly ready meals.
You may wish to enlist help with meal preparation by engaging in-home care or considering long-term care options for your loved one. Making the move to a retirement community that offers personal care services can go a long way when it comes to improving nutritional intake.
Hidden Meadows On The Ridge Takes Care of Our Residents’ Dietary and Nutritional Needs
Sometimes, it can be the case that older adults aging in place are unable to get their nutritional needs met. When you or your loved one make the move to a senior living community such as Hidden Meadows On The Ridge, you can benefit from three delicious and nutritionally balanced meals a day. Our in-house team ensures that each meal is made using only the freshest ingredients, and residents can benefit from a wide range of choices to tempt the palate. The best part about the dining experience in our retirement community is bonding with friends and neighbors over international cuisines or local delights. Contact us now!
