Maintaining a healthy weight is important for people of all ages. For seniors, it can help ward off heart disease, strokes, and other illnesses seniors are susceptible to. Staying fit can even help seniors retain cognitive skills and function. For seniors who are overweight, finding a safe way to lose excess weight can improve their health and quality of life. Senior care providers can help by learning about safe diets for seniors.
Elder care providers working with seniors on diets should make sure that the diets their seniors embark upon are safe. Not all diet plans are safe for older people, so it’s important to consult with doctors concerning the best diet for individual seniors.
Non-medical home care providers should also strive to ensure seniors’ diets are nutritionally sound. Seniors often have special dietary needs requiring extra minerals or vitamins. Diets should, in general, include all the recommended allotments for protein, vitamins, and minerals. Severe diets are usually inappropriate for older people.
Senior diets should also be practical. While it’s likely necessary to cut back on some favorite foods, your senior’s diet shouldn’t be joyless. Small portions of favorite foods of questionable health value should be allowed. Moderation and self-discipline are the key. Caregivers should also be sure that the food in their senior’s diet is readily available from local supermarkets.
Always Best Care connects seniors and their families with quality assisted living and home care services. To find out more, call 1-855-470-CARE.
