It’s certainly no secret that a nutritious diet is crucial for a healthy body. What many people don’t realize, however, is that dietary needs for older adults need to be adjusted as we age. Nutritional professionals at Tufts University have created the MyPlate for Older Adults system, which is a more advanced adaptation of the previous food pyramid, giving updated dietary guidelines for older adults in particular.
The MyPlate for Older Adults model offers facts on foods that are high in vitamins and minerals and low in salt, sugar, and fat; however, it also provides advice on subjects like advised physical activities and fluid consumption, issues that are of particular concern for seniors.
Since activity levels are in many instances decreased, older adults tend to require fewer calories as they age, but they also still require identical or greater levels of nutrients and regular activity for ideal health. MyPlate suggests the following to meet the dietary needs for older adults:
- Bright-colored vegetables, like carrots and peppers
- Deeply-colored fruits, such as berries and melons
- Whole, fortified, enriched grains and cereals, like brown rice
- Low- and non-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and low lactose milk
- Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads, which are lower in saturated and trans fats
- Spices as opposed to salt
- Liquids such as water and fat-free milk
- Physical activity, such as walking, resistance training, and light housekeeping
In addition, other guidelines include taking advantage of choices that are more simplified to prepare and reduce waste, such as bags of frozen pre-cut vegetables and individual-portion cups of fruit.
At Heaven at Home Senior Care, we recognize it can be a struggle to help senior loved ones stick to a nutritious diet. Our dedicated caregivers in Plano and the surrounding area can help plan and prepare nourishing, appetizing meals in accordance with your loved one’s specific nutritional needs. Contact us online or call us at 940-380-0500 to learn more about a free in-home assessment and our short or long term care in Plano, TX, and other surrounding areas. To learn more about all of the areas we serve in Texas, please visit our Service Area page.