8 Healthiest Foods to Eat in the Senior Years

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8 Nutritious Foods Seniors Should Eat in Montgomery, AL

Seniors require fewer calories now than when they were younger, which means the foods they eat need to be filled with nutritious benefits. Choosing foods with certain nutrients can keep your loved one satisfied and prevent many health conditions common among the elderly. Encourage your loved one to include the following foods in his or her diet for good health.

1. Eggs

For a long time, eggs had a poor reputation because of the high levels of cholesterol contained in the yolks. More recent research has shown that eggs have many benefits. Eggs are high in protein, vitamin B, lutein, and choline. Lutein can prevent macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. 

Visual impairment is just one of the many health issues adults experience in their golden years. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Montgomery families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

2. Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in fiber, low in carbohydrates, and full of flavor. Adding them to your loved one’s morning bowl of oatmeal or lunch salad provides a boost of vitamin C and potent antioxidants that boost memory. A 2012 study published in Annals of Neurology found seniors who regularly consumed berries were able to slow cognitive aging by 2.5 years.

3. Yogurt

People over the age of 60 have been found to have fewer probiotics in their digestive tract than those who are younger. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help with digestive and immune functions. Yogurt that has live cultures is high in probiotics.

4. Beans

Beans are high in fiber and protein, which can help your loved one stay full and satisfied. Eating beans regularly can also prevent type 2 diabetes. A 2017 study published in Clinical Nutrition found older adults who consumed 28.75 grams of beans per day had a 35 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which affects approximately 9 percent of the elderly population.

Caring for an aging parent with diabetes can be challenging. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Montgomery, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.

5. Salmon

Fatty fish such as salmon contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which offer many benefits for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, a contributing factor to heart disease.

6. Avocados

If your loved one has high blood pressure, he or she is at a greater risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. Including avocados in your loved one’s diet may reduce his or her blood pressure levels. Avocados are high in potassium, a nutrient that helps the kidneys regulate blood pressure levels.

7. Quinoa

Quinoa is known as a superfood because it is a whole grain that contains all nine of the necessary amino acids that form a protein. Quinoa is gluten-free, which makes it a good option if your loved one is intolerant of gluten or has been encouraged by a doctor to avoid it. If your loved one has diabetes, quinoa is a good substitute for other grains because it is low on the glycemic index.

8. Cottage Cheese

If your loved one has a dental disorder and needs to eat soft foods, it may be difficult for him or her to eat meat proteins. Cottage cheese is high in protein but also soft enough for seniors to eat without too much difficulty. Protein helps seniors maintain muscle mass. Cottage cheese is also a good source of calcium, which can prevent the loss of bone mass in the later years. 

Eating a nutritious diet is one of the best ways for older adults to boost their overall health and wellbeing. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Montgomery home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call one of our Care Managers at (334) 593-3988 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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