Senior Home Care in Woodland CA
The foods and drinks we put into our bodies can correlate with our mental and physical health. Older adults especially need to be cautious of their diet since they have a greater chance of 
developing a chronic health problem. There are numerous benefits to a healthy diet, including:
- A longer, healthier life
- A reduced risk of diseases and illnesses
- More concentration
- Improved memory
- Feeling better, healthier, and more energetic
If your loved one needs help with meal preparations and grocery shopping, a home care provider can assist with it. They can encourage the elder to purchase healthier, nutrient-filled foods, while also giving providing them with a companion to eat with.
Foods to Incorporate into the Senior’s Diet
As your loved one ages, it becomes even more important that they are receiving the nutrients their bodies need. This could be done with supplements, but there are also a wide assortment of foods that offer the same nutritional value. Some foods older adults should fit into their diet are:
- Fruit – Seniors should aim to eat 2-3 servings of their favorite fruit each day.
- Vegetables – Each veggie contains different vitamins, so it is important to eat as many different colors as possible. Dark, leafy vegetables are loaded with antioxidants. Kale, spinach, and broccoli are just a few options that will keep your loved one’s digestive system happy.
- Grains – Substitute whole grains for processed white flour in order to boost the amount of fiber the senior receives.
- Calcium – Osteoporosis is a major problem that many elders suffer from. One way to prevent this from happening to your parent is by making sure they are getting enough calcium. Approximately 1,200 mg of calcium are needed each day to keep their bones strong and healthy. Along with dairy products, this nutrient can be found in broccoli, kale, tofu, and almonds.
- Protein – Eating 1 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of bodyweight will keep the elder feeling full for longer periods of time. This nutrient can be found in fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, beans, milk, and nuts.
- Healthy fats – Not all fat is unhealthy; in fact, the body does need some fat to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Just try to avoid trans and saturated fats.
- Water – Older adults lose hydration in their bodies at a much more rapid rate than that of younger adults. Because of this, it is important they drink plenty of water. Since their ability to determine if they are thirsty diminishes with age, a family member or in-home care provider should constantly remind the elder to drink up.
For a more comprehensive list of foods your loved one should eat, encourage them to meet with their doctor or dietician.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Woodland, CA, please contact the caring staff at Support for Home. Proudly Serving Sacramento, Yolo, Placer & El Dorado Counties. Call Today (916) 482-8484 or (530) 792-8484
Source: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/eating-well-as-you-age.htm