Seniors and Their Dietary Needs
Finding not just the right foods but also foods that seniors want to eat can be challenging. Being in the senior dining industry for over twenty-five years, I have come to learn that seniors not only need what I consider five of the most indispensable foods in terms of getting the vitamins and minerals that an aging person needs, but also some foods which they like to have and enjoy.
As we age, our bodies become more and more inefficient, heightening the need for a more balanced and healthy diet. While nutrition is vital, we must also respect people’s wishes to choose what they want. And that means they should have the right to choose what they eat. But, this is where the challenging part comes in because, as care providers, it is our job to ensure all our seniors get what they need and what they want.
First, there is the “incredible, edible egg.” These are loaded with B-12, one of the body’s most important vitamins, because it keeps the red blood cells healthy. As we age, our bodies begin to find it a bit more difficult to absorb B-12. By including eggs in our daily diets, the body can absorb some of the B-12 vitamins that it needs, along with other essential vitamins that the body needs, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and protein to boot.
Second, there is the all-time favorite, milk, which if many seniors had it their way, they would get directly from the source. Milk is, of course, a great source of calcium and vitamin D, which helps minimize bone loss and osteoporosis. Milk is also a source of potassium, which can enhance vasodilation and reduce blood pressure. Increasing potassium intake and decreasing sodium can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, since milk also contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, nutritionists recommend that seniors drink three-ounce servings of low-fat milk three times a day.
Third, there is salmon, a great source of vitamin D. Studies have shown that vitamin D may also protect against some chronic diseases, as well as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Salmon supplies Omega-3 fatty acids, which act as an anti-inflammatory agent to help reduce the risk of high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. Salmon is considered a superfood as it includes the Vitamin B complex source and the entire vitamin B group. All these vitamins work together to help improve brain health and support the nervous system. The Omega-3 fatty acids also enhance eyesight and help cure dry-eye syndrome and age-related macular degeneration. The benefits of eating salmon are like the never-ending story, an endless array.
Fourth, the “World’s Perfect Food.” As with salmon, the banana comes with all kinds of benefits. Loaded with B-6 to encourage the production of white blood cells, they are also rich in potassium, which is necessary for muscular function and digestion while at the same time helping to balance sodium in the body. One of the benefits of the banana is that it contains natural oils and enzymes that help the body to digest and lubricate the digestive tract. The potassium may also prevent the body from developing kidney stones, while the B6 can help regulate blood glucose levels.
And fifth, the all-time favorite, oatmeal! Not only does oatmeal boast the highest source of protein compared with any other grain, but it is also a delicious source of fiber that is low in fat. A good source of carbs, it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oatmeal can help you lose weight by filling you up and reducing your calorie intake. And in case you didn’t know, fine ground oats may also help with skincare. That’s right! Makers of skincare products often list ground oats as “colloidal oatmeal.”. That not only means that you can have a healthy breakfast, but you can also add oatmeal to your skincare routine to look beautiful while you are eating it.
There is a downside to all these wonderful foods, though, and that is that some seniors may be allergic to these foods. Some may be lactose intolerant, etc. And there will be some circumstances when an older adult needs supplements because they cannot get enough of a specific nutrient in their diet. Having said that, even if they can eat these foods, that doesn’t mean that seniors will always eat what they are supposed to. This is why we strive to give our seniors the best options while still respecting their rights to make choices and maintain their respect and privacy.
A pleasurable dining experience should always be one of our main goals. It isn’t just a meal. It is also a chance for them to enjoy the company of their neighbors. This is their time to visit and socialize, a time when they should not have to worry about whether they are being fed a nutritional meal, but rather should be able to focus on enjoying good food and having a good conversation with friends.
Chef
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