A Healthy Diet for Louisville Seniors

A healthy diet is an important part of a well-rounded lifestyle at any age; however, seniors, in particular, need to eat the right foods in order to support their aging bodies and keep up with their active lifestyles. Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville, which serves Louisville, Middletown, Anchorage, Hikes Point, Fern Creek, Jeffersontown, and the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, and Washington, understands the importance of creating a balanced meal plan that is targeted to the needs of elderly individuals.

Eating a healthy, age-specific diet can help seniors live higher quality lives. By supporting their bodies through this stage of life, seniors can continue to be involved in physical activity while keeping their minds sharp. Because a healthy diet contributes to both mental and physical health, it is important for your elderly loved one to adopt a meal plan that meets their needs. 

When helping your senior plan their meals, keep these facts in mind:

➢ Sodium and simple carbohydrates should be eaten sparingly and avoided when possible. Sodium can cause water retention and high blood pressure, so salt should be used only as needed. Simple carbohydrates contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar, both of which can be dangerous for elderly individuals who face other medical conditions. 

➢ Fats should not all be avoided. In fact, “good” fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to healthy cholesterol levels. As a result, these fats can improve heart health. 

➢ Sticking to a consistent caloric intake is important when trying to maintain one’s health. By eating more calories than necessary, seniors can experience weight gain that can lead to several other health complications. By eating fewer calories than necessary, they can experience a drop in weight that can also produce medical concerns. 

➢ Fiber and calcium are crucial parts of a healthy diet for seniors. Fiber keeps the digestive system running as optimally as possible while fighting heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Calcium also supports several functions of the body, most notably the maintenance of bone density. 

➢ Everyone has different tastes, and eating should be an enjoyable activity. As such, seniors are encouraged to try new, healthy foods in order to build up a repertoire of ingredients that are both delicious and good for them. 

Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville has provided senior care services to many elderly individuals and knows the importance of a well-rounded diet. With the right vitamins and nutrients, seniors can continue to care for their bodies as they age. 

Contact us today at (502)265-5848 for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

To receive a free e-book on this and other senior care issues, please click here.