Archive for the ‘Holiday Dining’ Category

Holiday Nutrition: How to Get the Necessary Nutrients

Posted on: December 12th, 2011 by aagingbetter

As adults age, calorie requirements change due to increased body fat, decreased muscle and less activity.  Because of this, meeting nutrient needs during the holidays and throughout the year becomes more of a challenge for seniors.  AAging Better In-Home Care understands that the key to this problem is to choose foods that are high in nutrients in relation to the calories they contain.  For example, low-fat milk is more nutrient-dense than regular milk because its nutrient content is the same, but it has fewer calories and less fat.  The following are a few examples of foods that can help seniors watch calories during the holidays and the rest of the year while keeping a nutrient-rich diet.

Protein needs typically do not change for older adults; however, some proteins, like turkey, chicken, and fish are healthier than red meats.  Other foods with high levels of protein include:

  • Eggs (even those with higher cholesterol levels do fine with a minimum of two eggs per week but for those with good cholesterol levels, eggs 3-4 times a week are encouraged)
  • Peas
  • Beans (all beans are a very good source of protein)
  • Tofu
  • Nuts (raw nuts are much healthier than roasted and salted but a small handful of either is usually recommended rather than larger amounts eaten at one sitting)

Fat should be something that older adults reduce in their diets; however, there are some “good” fats that can and should be part of a healthy diet, including:

  • Olive oil (recommended as a primary cooking oil or on salads)
  • Seeds
  • Sunflower oil
  • Avocados
  • Nuts (high in fats but good sources of protein)

Calcium is a very important nutrient that helps minimize bone loss in older adults.  Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium, as are:

  • Figs
  • Tofu
  • Kale
  • White beans
  • Cabbage

A healthy, nutrient-rich diet is vital for older adults.  Aaging Better In-Home Care understands the unique challenges of senior nutritional needs and trains all of its caregivers in the proper preparation of healthy meals.  For more information about our shopping and meal preparation services, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

Holiday Healthy Eating: Tips for Older Adults with Eating Issues

Posted on: December 5th, 2011 by aagingbetter

As we age, healthy eating habits become increasingly important, especially during the holidays when so many seniors overindulge in sugary treats.  However, because of certain health issues and restrictions, many older people have trouble eating well and balancing out those sweets.  Luckily, the Food and Drug Administration offers some solutions to several common problems that will help keep seniors eating a balanced diet during the holiday season and throughout the New Year.

Trouble Chewing:

For seniors who cannot chew food well, meats and fresh fruits and vegetables can be a problem. The FDA suggests the following substitutions:

  • Instead of fresh fruit, try fruit juice, apple sauce, or canned peaches and pears.
  • Instead of raw vegetables, try vegetable juices or mashed and cooked vegetables.
  • Instead of meat, try ground meat, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.
  • Instead of sliced bread, try cooked cereals, rice, bread pudding and soft cookies.

Unable to Shop for Groceries:

Some seniors may have problems shopping for themselves due to being unable to drive or having ambulation issues.  The FDA suggests:

  • Requesting a local store deliver groceries to the home.
  • Requesting volunteer shopping help from a local church, synagogue or volunteer center.
  • Asking a family member or neighbor to help with shopping.
  • Enlisting the help of a local home care agency, such as AAging Better In-Home Care who can provide a well-trained caregiver to do the shopping and prepare the meals.

Lack of Appetite:

Elderly people who live alone sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes, which can lead to a loss of appetite.  They may also not feel up to making a meal just for themselves or the medication that they take might make food taste bad.  For these issues, the FDA suggests:

  • Eating with family and friends, if that option is available to seniors.
  • Joining group meal programs offered through local senior citizens programs.
  • Talking to a doctor about whether or not medication might be a problem.
  • Contacting a local home care agency to have a companion prepare and participate in making meal time a social activity.

If you or someone you know has issues with eating, contact AAging Better In-Home Care online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

 
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