Addressing Common Concerns in Senior Nutrition
Nutrition is equally important for seniors as it is for babies, toddlers, teenagers, and adults. The foods and liquids we put into our bodies make a huge difference in our lives, regardless of age. However, seniors can struggle with nutrition, especially if they cannot prepare and cook their meals, meaning they miss out on many of the critical nutrients they need for healthy aging.
Visiting Angels of White Plains’ caregivers help support local seniors’ nutritional habits with compassion and care. Our senior home care services include meal preparation and planning to allow seniors the opportunity to meet their dietary needs. Our caregivers also provide transportation to and from the grocery store to help seniors facilitate purchasing nutritious foods they can incorporate into their diets.
How to Prioritize Senior Nutrition
Healthy nutritional habits can support increased mobility and brain health, help manage chronic conditions, and mitigate memory loss. In contrast, a poor diet can lead to a decline in mental health, worsening of existing health conditions, and the advancement of certain diseases. Here’s how seniors can prioritize their nutrition:
- Speak with your doctor before drastically changing your diet or exercise.
- Keep up on annual check-ups and preventative care measures.
- Maintain a regular eating and sleeping schedule.
- Practice safe food handling habits.
- Share meals with others.
Seniors can find nutritional assistance in many areas (more on that below), but some examples include senior farmer’s markets, senior food box programs, home food delivery, and senior mobile pantries. A balanced diet contains low salt intake, hydration, Vitamin D, limited white foods, fiber, and healthy fats.
Nutritional Resources
Knowing what to eat and how much of it can help you build a better nutritional food plan. Thankfully, there are many resources available to you for reference, including:
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
- Senior food pantries (including mobile)
- MyPlate
- SNAP
- Local providers like the White Plains Farmers Market
- Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program
- Nutrition and Aging Resource Center
Do you know enough about nutrition to take a quiz? The USDA Food and Nutrition Service offers an Older Adult Nutrition Quiz to test your knowledge. See how much you know about nutrition and where you can supplement your knowledge and eating habits.
Supporting White Plains Seniors For Over 10 Years
Visiting Angels of White Plains has served local seniors for over a decade. From providing compassionate care and assistance to coordinating with loved ones and other healthcare providers, Visiting Angels of White Plains caregivers put seniors first. Below are several other ways seniors can incorporate healthy eating habits into their routines:
- Healthy Eating for Seniors
- Eat This, Not That! Why Seniors May Need to Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
- Brain Boosting Foods
- Does Your Senior Drink Enough Water?
- 6 Reasons Seniors May Lose Their Appetite
Want to learn more about Visiting Angels of White Plains and our various senior care services? Contact us for a free consultation. Our care coordinators work with seniors, spouses, and loved ones to craft a personalized care plan that fits their needs, including nutrition.