Thanks to breakthroughs in medical research and increased knowledge of how nutrition affects our health, today’s seniors are living longer and better lives than at any other time in human history. However, some seniors are still unaware of how big of a role nutrition can play in their overall health.
At Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County, CO, healthy and nutritious diets are an important component in our Balanced Care Method. When our caregivers assist with meal preparation, they focus on the following food groups, which have been show to help boost health, wellness and even mood for seniors:
- Whole Grains – The average senior citizen requires about seven ounces of grains per day, and it’s recommended that these come from whole grains rather than from food items made with white, processed flour. Whole grain foods include wheat bread, wheat pasta, and cereals specifically formulated with whole grains.
- Fruits – Eating fruit provides much more nutritional value than drinking the juice as many juices also contain high amounts of sugar. In general, colorful fruits such as mangoes, melons, pomegranates, and blueberries pack the biggest nutritional punch. The average senior should strive for one-and-a-half to two servings of fruit per day.
- Vegetables – As with fruit, color matters with vegetables as well. Brightly colored vegetables such as yams, carrots, tomatoes, and squash contain the most nutrients along with dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale. However, seniors who are taking blood-thinning medication should check with their physicians above the advisability of consuming kale. High in vitamin K, kale can promote the clotting of blood and may interfere with certain medications.
- Protein– Getting an adequate amount of dietary protein is important for seniors because it helps maintain optimal physical functioning and reduces muscle loss. Low quality protein sources such as hot dogs and other processed red meats can contribute to cardiovascular disease, however, so seniors should take care to consume protein products such as fish, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
If you or an aging parent or loved one need assistance with nutritious meal preparation or help with cooking and other household chores, reach out to Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County today. In addition to part-time care for assistance around the home, we also offer live-in care in Jefferson County which can help promote safety and comfort for seniors on an around the clock basis. To learn more about our caregivers and our care services, reach out to a friendly and knowledgeable Care Manager today at (303) 987-5992 and schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.