Everyone benefits from a healthy diet. However, seniors have very specific nutritional needs. Often, doctors provide particular guidelines that they must follow to support their health, and some nutrients are beneficial in boosting immune health. As part of a comprehensive senior care plan, keep this helpful dietary information in mind.

Why Dietary Needs Change

As people age, they may find that they need to tweak their diets. This could be in response to a certain medical condition. For example, newly diagnosed diabetics must monitor their sugar intake, and those with hypertension must be mindful of how much sodium they consume daily.

But older individuals may also eat less as their appetites decrease, either naturally or as a side effect of certain medications. People may also find that they can’t comfortably eat if they develop oral health concerns, like gum disease or tooth loss.  

What Makes Nutrition Important

Since these changes can affect people in different ways, it’s crucial to create a senior care plan that addresses the individual’s unique dietary needs. People with diminished appetites, for example, can benefit from healthy fats to support their immune health and help them stay satiated for longer periods.

Doctors may advise patients to avoid certain foods to regulate cholesterol levels and manage sugar. Consuming more nutrient-rich foods and avoiding saturated fats and trans fats can make a difference in the person’s overall health, too.

How to Eat Healthier

Consider creating a diet plan focused specifically on senior care. If the person could benefit from more iron, for example, elevate the number of green, leafy vegetables that they consume. If they need more protein, then adding fish and beans to their meals can be helpful.

Swapping unhealthy choices for more fruits, vegetables, and grains is largely advantageous to a senior’s overall health. However, it’s not always easy for elderly people to cook meals safely on their own. Hiring an in-home care provider to cook fresh, nutritious meals from scratch can make an enormous difference to the person’s life and well-being.

Are you seeking a reliable senior care provider for your elderly loved one? Trust in the caring and compassionate professionals at Integrity Plus Home Care in Ferguson, MO. The caretakers here provide in-home senior care, including meal preparation, medication reminders, and general companionship. Your loved one will enjoy an improved quality of life in the company of these kind and experienced experts. Visit the website for more information or call (314) 755-1331 to speak with a representative.