9 Healthy Eating Tips and Habits for Older Parents

Are you concerned about helping your parents eat better and live a healthy life?

If yes, you're reading the right article. 

As our seniors age, their bodies start lacking necessary nutrients that can lead to several health conditions. 

The fact is that gradual dietary tweaks are necessary for our older parents to ensure they enjoy their golden years without significant health issues. 

Here are some tips that you can pass on to your parents to help them improve their health. 

Gut Health

Probiotics also called "nutrition boosters," enhance gastrointestinal function and calcium absorption in our bodies, thus keeping gut health in check. Foods like asparagus, garlic, and whole grains can thoroughly increase probiotic intake for your parents.

Immunity 

Our immune systems tend to weaken as we hit a particular age mark, so working on it is imperative. Choosing healthy animal proteins like fatty fish or lean poultry and whole grains helps increase your elderly's immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoid-rich foods are also great immunity boosters.

Skin Care

The consumption of vitamins E and C help maintain your older parent's skin integrity. Sunflower seeds, spinach, berries, and almonds are excellent sources of vitamin E, and vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and boost vitamin C. Hydration is also crucial for improving skin elasticity.

Related: Skin type quiz

Fiber Intake

Dietary fiber is crucial for slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream of your older parent. This further reduces and stabilizes the glucose levels in the blood. Dietary fiber also accounts for better digestion. 

Adequate fiber lowers cholesterol and helps maintain a healthy weight. Foods like beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains are rich in fiber and help promote regular bowel movements. 

Salt Intake

Eating too much salt in older years can impact blood pressure levels negatively. To work towards a heart-healthy diet, have your parents swap the extra salt with seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, oregano, and other fresh herbs instead. 

Various low-sodium alternatives can add a sumptuous flavor to the food. Keep the consumption of sauces and condiments low, as they are usually stocked up with high sodium levels. A healthy home-cooked meal using homegrown herbs and ingredients is the best way to check sodium intake.

Bone Health 

Our bones become fragile due to less mobility and the loss of minerals in our bodies as we age. Foods fortified with vitamin D, such as cereal and bread, are critical dietary additions to promote good bone health. 

According to the national osteoporosis foundation, two to three tablespoons of nonfat powdered milk added to a few foods can also enhance the calcium content in your senior's diet.

Diet

A good diet is key to elevating the quality of your senior's life and staying disease-free. Choose antioxidant-rich dark leafy vegetable greens, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli, and colorful vegetables, such as carrots, pepper, and squash. 

Make veggies more delicious by adding a drizzle of light olive oil or a sprinkle of goat cheese. Tossing the veggies with garlic or oregano makes up for some delicious recipes for seniors.

Supplements 

It sometimes can be challenging for seniors to achieve daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals through food alone. In such cases, supplements prescribed by a registered dietician are essential for the aging bones and body. 

Protein Intake

Eating protein can improve your elderly's muscle's ability to repair themselves, making your older parents stronger. Regular protein intake also keeps the aging muscles from deteriorating. Including good quality fish, peas, eggs, nuts, beans, and seeds in your parent's diet is an excellent way to keep their muscles healthy and keep them moving without pain for long.

Conclusion 

While age is just a number, good eating habits play a vital role in reversing the damages done with increasing years. We hope these tips will help your old parents live a proactive lifestyle.

Read next: 8 HEALTHY SNACKS FOR A HAPPIER DIET