Healthy Grocery Shopping List for Older Adults

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Nutritious Grocery Shopping List for Seniors in Edmonton, AB

As seniors age, their nutritional requirements tend to change. While a healthy diet for seniors isn’t markedly different than it is for young adults, caregivers need to account for their loved one’s changing nutritional needs. Here are some great foods to add to an older adult’s grocery list. 

Healthy Carbohydrates 

While many people prefer eating white bread, seniors need to stick to the whole-wheat varieties. White bread is a simple carbohydrate, which is easy for the body to break down. Simple carbs provide the body with a short burst of energy before leaving the system entirely. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, take longer to break down once they enter the body, which means they provide a consistent source of energy. These carbohydrates also contain more fiber, which is essential for healthy digestive function. Here are some high-fiber, complex carbs that should be on your loved one’s grocery list: 

  • Whole-wheat bread 
  • Quinoa 
  • Fiber-infused breakfast cereal 
  • Brown rice 

Seniors who need help grocery shopping should consider professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Edmonton families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Fruits 

Some fruits are considered simple carbohydrates. These fruits are healthier than things like white bread and donuts because they are excellent sources of fiber. Due to high fiber intake, the body doesn’t process the sugar content all at once. Fruits are also filled with plenty of other essential nutrients. Berries have antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage, and bananas have potassium, which boosts cardiovascular health and regulates sleep. Here are some fruits to add to your loved one’s grocery list: 

  • Blueberries
  • Bananas
  • Apples 
  • Oranges 
  • Grapes 

Vegetables

Vegetables are a crucial component of a senior-friendly diet. Your loved one should strive to eat several servings of vegetables every day to get his or her daily dose of folate, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Vegetables like carrots and red sweet peppers are great sources of vision-boosting vitamin A, and broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain vitamin C. For folate, your loved one can turn to leafy greens like kale and spinach, and for heart-healthy potassium, he or she should eat squash and tomatoes. Here’s a handy list for your next grocery run: 

  • Carrots 
  • Sweet potatoes 
  • Tomatoes 
  • Spinach 
  • Kale 
  • Squash 

Finding time to go grocery shopping for a senior can be difficult for family caregivers who have other important tasks to tend to. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Edmonton senior home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Lean Protein 

Protein is responsible for building and repairing muscle tissue. To maintain their strength, seniors need to consume multiple sources of protein every day. Lean protein like chicken and fish is preferable to red meats. Seniors who have difficulty digesting meat can also get protein via beans, chickpeas, eggs, and nuts. Here are a few protein options ideal for seniors: 

  • Almond butter 
  • Grilled chicken 
  • Salmon 
  • Lentils 
  • Chickpeas
  • Eggs

From grocery shopping to preparing nutritious meals, there are several tasks older adults may need help with. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Edmonton respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.

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