Aging often brings changes in appetite that may cause seniors to skip meals or eat unhealthy foods. While your elderly loved one may not feel like eating or perhaps prefers sugary or salty meals, getting proper nutrition provides important benefits for his or her wellbeing.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Many seniors have diabetes, and even those who don’t still need to watch their blood sugar levels. If your loved one’s blood sugar levels get too high or fall too low, he or she is at risk of an injury. Moderating your loved one’s sugar intake may also prevent serious issues that could lead to a hospitalization.
Focusing on nutritious meals helps aging adults stay on top of their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Helps with Weight Management
So much emphasis is placed on the dangers of being overweight that the risks associated with weight loss in seniors are sometimes overlooked. Skipping meals or eating foods that lack nutrients can lead to weight loss in seniors, and this is especially true for those who take medications that already include weight loss as a side effect. While your loved one still needs to stay within the recommended guidelines for weight management, having just the right amount of fat on the body may prevent an unhealthy amount of weight loss during an illness.
Strengthens the Immune System
The body uses food to extract nutrients that prevent disease. For instance, most fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that fight against free radicals that cause damage to the body. Sugar generates an inflammatory response within the body’s systems, which can cause health issues and lower the immune system. Focus on feeding your loved one nutrient-rich foods that help him or her stay strong when encountering germs and toxins in the environment.
Preparing nutritious meals for a senior parent can be exhausting for family caregivers who have other needs to attend to. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Edmonton, Alberta, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Feeds the Brain for Better Cognitive Functioning
Low blood sugar leads to foggy thinking, but there are other cognitive issues linked to poor eating habits. The brain is similar to other types of muscles in the body, and it needs protein, healthy fats, and hydration to function. Your loved one’s diet should include sources of healthy fats such as salmon, nuts, and avocados along with lean meats that keep the brain functioning at optimum levels.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
Seniors who only eat fatty foods or skip meals completely can be at risk for developing digestive disorders as they age. For instance, high-fat meals are linked to chronic diarrhea, or your loved one might feel nauseated after consuming too much fat or sugar. If your loved one experiences stomach pain after eating, encourage him or her to eat several smaller meals throughout the day instead of a larger one. Eating smaller meals more frequently may counteract the natural slowing down of the digestive system. Make sure each small meal contains as many nutrients as possible.
Following a healthy diet every day helps older adults ward off age-related diseases. However, some seniors may have difficulty preparing meals and going grocery shopping for the nutritious foods they need. In Edmonton, senior care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today at (780) 490-7337 to learn more about our reliable senior care plans.