While getting older does alter your body and makes you more susceptible to health problems, you can reduce any issues simply by making smarter eating choices. The World Health Organization points out that a large part of a senior care wellness routine is getting the right nutrition. Use these tips to start eating—and feeling—healthier.

How Seniors Can Eat Healthier

1. Eat the Right Serving Size

As you grow older, your metabolism and activity level slows down, reducing how many calories you need for energy. Going over this amount will result in weight gain, which could increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Have your assisted living nurse help you measure your body mass index (BMI) and body fat to determine the best portion sizes for each meal.  

2.  Cook Ahead & Reheat Meals

It’s common for seniors living alone to cook less often, but this frequently results in reaching for more sweets and junk food. If you have trouble cooking, have your senior care nurse help grocery shop and prepare meals in advance. These should be a mix of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and beans, and fortified cheeses or low-fat milk to get the most nutrients from each plate, so you feel fuller longer and have more energy.

3. Stay Hydrated

As an older person, you need to take extra care to drink more water throughout the day. Dehydration can happen quickly. This risk increases the warmer it gets outside, so always bring a water bottle or two along whenever leaving the house. Dehydration can create kidney issues, complicate diabetes, and potentially lead to headaches, seizures, or a heart attack. Your assisted living nurse can help you avoid these health risks by leaving out 64-ounce water containers for you to drink each day. 

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to serve seniors throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, Ohio. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive assisted living services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner.  Please visit our website or call us directly to schedule a tour: Arlington/Columbus (614) 451-4575; Pickerington (614) 577-0822; Powell (614) 789-9868; Chillicothe (740) 773-4630; Coshocton (740) 623-4600.