As we grow older, our bodies continue to change and it grows increasingly important that we maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Whether you have maintained one for years or you are just starting to improve your eating habits, it is never too late to learn more about eating better. Here are our top tips for healthy eating for older adults.
Drink Lots of Water
It is intuitive to associate healthy eating with food that we consume, however, liquids are just as important to ensure that you stay healthy and happy. As we grow older, our sense of thirst will start to decrease even though we require the same level of fluids. This means that it is even more important to build the habit of drinking water throughout the day in regular intervals to stay hydrated. If you are struggling to get the daily recommendation for hydration, do remember that water is also present in the food that we eat like fruits and soups.
Eat With Others
Not only will eating with others make it more enjoyable, but it can also help to add regularity to your eating habits. At the retirement community at TerraBella Hillsborough, we have a dedicated dining hall where all the residents are able to come together and enjoy three meals together. By making it a social event, it is no longer just a source of nutrition but also a great time to catch up with friends and form meaningful friendships and interactions. What this means is that even if you are prone to having a lack of appetite, spending time with people you like will motivate you to show up and participate in mealtimes for a regular diet.
Knowing What And How Much to Eat
Over two-thirds of adults in America are obese or overweight. This means that the American diet, in general, tends towards a larger than needed portion size. When starting on your healthy eating journey, it is important to evaluate just how much you need to eat of each food type in order to not over-indulge. Make sure to balance out your diet with different vegetables, proteins, fruits, and whole grains.
Vary Your Intake
If you are preparing food for yourself, it can be tempting to settle for the same meal every day for ease of preparation. However, this is not the best option as varied vegetables and other foods will help to add different nutrients and fiber to your diet. The different food types have unique nutrients and vitamins that are all essential to ensuring that your body can survive and thrive.
Accommodate for Your Gums And Teeth
For many older adults, eating can be hard due to dental problems. To ensure that you or your loved ones are able to continue having a healthy and balanced diet, opt for softer alternatives like softer vegetables, unsweetened canned fruits, tuna fish, broths, stews, and soups. At TerraBella Hillsborough, we have a team of professional chefs to provide different diets under our Sensations Dining program. This ensures that all our residents are able to enjoy a healthy diet regardless of their physical limitations.
