Essential Nutrition Tips for Older Adults: Healthy Aging Starts Here

What’s in your mom’s refrigerator – fresh fruits and vegetables or hot dogs and canned peaches?

Why Nutrition Matters as We Age

As we grow older, our nutritional needs change. Older adults often require fewer calories but need more nutrients to maintain their health and vitality. Understanding these changes is key to promoting healthy aging.

Challenges Seniors Face in Maintaining a Healthy Diet

For many seniors, preparing nutritious meals can become a challenge due to:

• Lack of interest in cooking, especially when living alone
• Limited mobility or worsening vision
• Cognitive decline that makes meal prep and cleanup difficult

7 Nutrition Tips for Older Adults

To help your aging loved one maintain a healthy diet, consider these expert-backed tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

1. Eat a Variety of Foods
   Incorporate foods from all food groups to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. Use the MyPlate Plan to learn how much to eat from all five food groups and find out how many calories they need each day to maintain energy.
2. Limit Added Sugars, Fats, and Sodium
   Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium for better overall health.
3. Prioritize Protein
   Ensure adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass and strength.
4. Focus on Key Nutrients
   Include potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12 in daily meals.
5. Stay Hydrated
   Drink water often and consider low-fat milk, fortified soy beverages, or 100% juice. Avoid sugary or salty drinks.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight
   Follow a balanced dietary pattern and stay active to prevent weight gain and maintain energy levels.
7. Practice Food Safety
   Prevent foodborne illnesses by keeping food safe and properly stored.

Make Healthy Eating Enjoyable

At HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN), we understand that ensuring seniors eat nutritious meals isn’t always easy for families. That’s why our professional caregivers offer meal prep services as part of our customized care plans.

Our caregivers can:

• Shop for healthy foods
• Prepare balanced meals
• Clean up after meals
• Provide companionship to make mealtime more enjoyable

Let HCAN Help Your Loved One Thrive

If your aging loved one could benefit from our meal prep services, contact your local HCAN-supported office or visit hcan.com. Together, we can support healthy aging and well-being.