We all know that it’s beneficial to eat a balanced diet packed with healthy, delicious foods that fuel our bodies—but as we age, this can become surprisingly challenging for a lot of individuals. Eating well doesn’t mean eating perfectly—there’s room for dessert within a healthy, balanced diet—but it does mean ensuring that you get enough protein, vitamins and nutrients to feel good and maintain (and even improve) your health.
Here’s why a healthy diet is particularly important to seniors and why hydration also plays an important role in their wellness. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our services, please contact us! We’d be glad to hear from you.
The benefits of a healthy diet
Research indicates that healthy eating habits support wellness at every age, and seniors in particular can benefit from a nutritious meal plan. Healthy eating can lower your risk of heart disease and type II diabetes, prevent bone and muscle loss, and provide energy that improves your quality of life. As Health Canada says on their website, “Healthy eating is a key part of aging well. It is a way for you to stay healthy and strong, which is important to maintain your independence and quality of life.”
So, where do you start? Your family doctor or a registered dietitian can provide personalized dietary advice that reflects your specific needs and health conditions, but generally speaking, Canada’s Food Guide is a good resource. The Mediterranean Diet is also frequently recommended for seniors as it supports cognitive function and heart health. This eating plan is also ideal for diabetics as it promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Again, please speak to a medical professional before making any drastic changes to your food intake. Everyone has unique needs, and what’s healthy for one person isn’t necessarily ideal for another. It’s also critical that seniors be aware of potential food and drug interactions (for example: you should not consume grapefruit while taking statins such as Lipitor).
The risks of dehydration
Food is important, but don’t forget about drinking well, too. Staying hydrated is incredibly important, but it doesn’t always come naturally to seniors—particularly if dementia or other cognitive factors are at play. Seniors don’t always recognize their sense of thirst, which may lead to inadequate fluid intake and eventual dehydration—a serious health risk in older adults. Certain medications can also make seniors extra susceptible to dehydration. The simple solution is to drink water throughout the day, but many seniors fail to put this advice into practice. (If you aren’t sure what dehydration looks or feels like in seniors, this article is a great resource.)
To quote Health Canada a second time: “As you age, your sense of thirst may decline, but you still need to drink regularly whether you feel thirsty or not. To stay hydrated, drink throughout the day and with each meal and snack.” It’s recommended that you drink mostly water and avoid sugary drinks like pop, sweetened iced tea or high fructose fruit juices. Some other liquids, like white milk or low sodium soups, can also support hydration.
Our caregivers can help
Caregiving has a direct impact on quality of life, and we’re here to help seniors live happily and healthily in the comfort of their own homes. It all starts with being there to encourage the right daily habits and identify areas for improvement. Isolation has a clear and measurable negative impact on how seniors eat and in some cases, has been linked to malnutrition and associated health risks. This is a serious and avoidable health risk that no senior should ever have to deal with. Our caregivers support healthy eating habits in seniors by preparing delicious, balanced meals and snacks for them to enjoy. They’ll encourage seniors to eat regular meals, bring them a glass of water and keep an eye out for signs of dehydration. Our caregivers can also prepare pre-portioned snacks and meals to be enjoyed at a later time, making it simple for seniors to make healthy choices throughout the week.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our in-home caregivers support healthy eating habits and hydration in seniors, please contact us. We’d be pleased to answer your questions and provide a quote for PSW services in Toronto and the surrounding areas.