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Good nutrition is important no matter what your age. Eating well gives you energy, helps control your weight, and may also prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. But as we age, our bodies and lives change, along with what we need to stay healthy. Older adults have unique dietary needs, and a focus on getting the right nutrients can help prevent injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life all around.
Our nutritional program for seniors focuses on increasing nutrient intake while keeping calorie intake in check. Younger adults might prioritize calorie restriction, but seniors often have higher protein and calorie needs due to muscle loss.
An ideal senior diet should look like the following:
Even knowing the importance of proper nutrition, many seniors and their families face barriers to healthy eating. ComForCare Franchise Systems helps fill the gaps, whether that means finding affordable healthy options, preparing meals for a loved one who struggles with a lack of appetite, or making portions easier for those with chewing and swallowing difficulties. We use the MyPlate Program to ensure that every person in our care achieves a balanced diet, getting the nutrients they need in a way that is enjoyable, comfortable, and convenient for them!
Meal planning helps prevent nutritional gaps, making it easier to manage blood pressure and cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight, keep energy levels high, and get all the proper nutrients for healthy living. Meal planning is a great way to manage chronic conditions, but it can boost health and improve quality of life for anyone! At ComForCare, our caregivers focus on finding the types of food, combinations of food, portion sizes, and meal timing that will help their clients thrive.
One of the first steps toward achieving healthy eating goals is to identify your loved one’s barriers and create a plan to overcome them together. ComForCare’s caregivers can use a number of strategies to help, including:
Our needs change as we get older. For example, seniors may need more protein and less calories than they used to, and the types of nutrients (vitamins and minerals) they need may shift as well. Generally, we encourage foods higher in nutrients and lower in calories, avoiding “empty calories” like chips and candies, processed foods, sodas, and alcohol. Instead, we focus on fruits and veggies, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, seafood, whole grains, eggs, and beans.
Seniors’ bodies tend to have a harder time removing sodium as kidney function decreases, which means they need to be especially careful when it comes to salt intake. Sodium isn’t all bad—it helps regulate the balance of fluids in the body and support the functions of muscles and nerves. However, to avoid the heart risks of too much sodium, people ages 51 to 70 should strive for at least 1,300mg per day but no more than 2,300mg. For adults over 70, the minimum suggested intake is 1,200mg.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to falls and other injuries. Getting enough protein can prevent muscle loss, support immune function, and even help blood circulate oxygen through the body. Getting enough protein can be a challenge, even if you do meet your meat, poultry, and egg intake goals. But there are plenty of other great sources of protein for meals and snacks, such as dairy, fortified soy products, beans, lentils, peas, and more!
This page doesn’t just explain the importance of senior nutrition; it offers real, actionable steps that your loved one can take to improve their health and quality of life. Contact your local ComForCare to learn how our skilled caregivers can assist with meal planning, or buy our Senior Cookbook for recipes meant to empower a healthier, happier life.
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