A healthy diet for seniors includes a combination of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Adults need about 20–30 percent of their total calorie intake to come from fat. For seniors, who often have additional dietary concerns, foods with healthy fats can be a welcome and appetizing addition to their diets while also providing equally pleasing health benefits.
Olive Oil
The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil are considered a healthy alternative to what’s found in vegetable oil. Components in olive oil may also slow the aging process and boost the antioxidant power of veggies.
Many aging adults need assistance with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and preparing nutritious meals. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Montgomery Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can optimize brain function and fight the inflammation that can make chronic conditions like arthritis painful. Seniors should strive to eat at least 8 ounces per week of fish that contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, trout, and Pacific mackerel.
Eggs
The thinking on eggs has changed, with researchers now considering fatty meats a more potent source of so-called “bad” cholesterol. By choosing organic eggs, seniors can enjoy extra omega-3 fatty acids and an assortment of essential nutrients.
Some seniors have a difficult time preparing healthy meals as they get older. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Cheese
Cheese is a beneficial high-fat dairy product that includes essential fatty acids that may, according to one study, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A single slice of cheese also has about the same amount of protein as a glass of milk.
Nuts
A British study linked regular consumption of nuts with a reduction in diabetes, heart disease, and stroke risk. Seniors should avoid nuts with added salt and vegetable oil as well as any that have been candied or glazed, since all those extras negate the health benefits.
Coconut Oil
The saturated fats in coconut oil are processed differently, going directly from the liver to the digestive tract to serve as a quick source of energy. The main fat in coconut oil also has noted anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Eating a nutritious diet can help aging adults stave off a number of health issues. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (334) 593-3988 today.