Making the Most of Mealtimes: Encouraging Better Nutrition for your Senior

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential at any age. It helps to provide energy, support the immune system, enhance mental health, aid in cellular function, and much more. As people age, it can be more difficult to keep up with these requirements for a variety of reasons. Family and caregivers can help to support better eating habits and nutrition in many ways:

• Ensure appropriate consistency. As seniors age, they may have more difficulty chewing or swallowing and this can impact the foods they eat. Opting for softer foods, blending or mashing them, or adding a thickening agent can all support the ability to eat and enjoy more foods.
• Vary flavors. Different medications can change the taste of foods, as can decreased sense of smell and taste. This can mean that certain foods are no longer appealing or do not taste the same. Use a variety of herbs, spices, and other natural flavorings to boost taste and make things more palatable.
• Prepare meals and snacks ahead of time. Having already prepared meals that just need to be reheated or can be consumed as is can reduce the effort and energy needed by seniors to cook. They have something simple at their fingertips and this can help to ensure more balanced meals and regular eating habits.
• Take seniors shopping or sign up for meal assistance programs. Sometimes lack of transportation or limited income can impact a senior’s diet. They either cannot get the variety of foods they need, or cannot afford them. Offer to take them shopping and help pick out healthy options. Look for local assistance programs that can provide financial help or distribute meals on a consistent basis.
• Offer companionship. Eating alone can lead to poorer nutrition. Make time to spend mealtimes together or arrange for companionship. Having someone to talk to and eat with can help seniors to have more of an appetite and boost their mood as well.

Pay attention to how well your loved one is eating and any areas where they struggle. Perhaps arthritis has made it more challenging to prepare food or medication has led to decreased appetite. Talk to their doctor about ways to improve their appetite and ensure they are getting the essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and calories they need. Arranging for in home care can provide an extra level of assistance with meal preparation as well as beneficial companionship and safety.