For many seniors who live independently into older adulthood; making healthy eating choices can be challenging. Often, for elderly people who live at home, meal preparation is a daunting task; so they turn to convenient packaged meals, or unhealthy snacks which may be high in saturated fat and processed foods. While many of these meal options may be quick and easy, they do not satisfy the requirements of any nutritional food guides when consumed without the addition of lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Family caregivers and other loved ones know that often seniors can be set in their ways, and are unwilling to alter their routines even for the betterment of their health. While intervening directly to improve their eating habits may not be an effective way to help a senior with healthy eating practices, families can encourage healthy eating or the elderly by making some simple changes.

1) Portion control – seniors with a love for unhealthy snacks that are sweet and salty can still indulge, but with smaller portion sizes and incorporating healthy fruits and vegetables to make up the difference in calories and portion.
2) Availability of healthy items – make sure that seniors always have a selection of their favorite fruits and vegetables, and keep them on the counter so they are convenient reminders of healthy eating.
3) Avoid temptations – if seniors tend to binge on their favorite sugary snacks; don’t keep them in the house so they can avoid temptations (especially important for diabetics)

Healthy Eating Guide for the Elderly Author:  Mary L. Meck Higg

Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.