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Taking care of our elderly loved ones means making sure they eat right and drink enough water every day. It's not always easy because as people get older, they might not feel as hungry or forget or avoid drinking water.
Eating healthy foods and staying hydrated are super important to keep them feeling good and staying strong. Also, avoiding certain foods because of health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes, can be as important as eating the right foods.
Elderly folks have different needs when it comes to what they eat and drink. For example, they need more calcium to keep their bones strong and vitamins to stay healthy.
This can be due to decreased absorption as is the case with Vitamin B12. Often nutrient dense foods are less convenient. They require additional shopping, preparation and cooking time.
With the increased energy cost associated with eating healthy, it’s not uncommon for our loved one to feel they just don’t have the stamina to eat well. This can begin a downward spiral of poorer food choices which lead to less energy and so on.
As people get older, their bodies need different nutrients to stay healthy. For seniors, getting enough calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and fiber is really important.
These help keep bones strong, make sure their nerves work right, and keep their digestion running smoothly. But it's not just about eating more vitamins; it's about finding the right balance of all the different foods they need to eat.
Sometimes, our loved ones have to deal with health problems like heart disease or diabetes, and what they eat can make a big difference in how they feel. For example, eating less salt can help keep blood pressure in check, and significantly reducing or eliminating sugar can help control diabetes.
Drinking enough water is super important for seniors, but it's easy to forget about it.
When people don't drink enough, they can get dehydrated. This can cause a lot of problems like feeling dizzy or getting headaches. Sometimes, seniors might not feel thirsty, or they might not want to drink water because they're worried about going to the bathroom too often.
This is one reason we need to come up with ways to help them drink more.
Having a glass of water together or trying different kinds of drinks like herbal teas or flavored water can increase fluid intake. Anything with caffeine in it will increase dehydration though, so double check and be sure that hot tea is caffeine-free.
Dehydration can be sneaky because it doesn't always show big signs until it's a major problem.
Some medicines can also make dehydration worse, so it's a good idea to talk to their doctor about how much water they should be drinking every day.
Keep track of how much your loved one drinks and reminding them throughout the day can help make sure they're getting enough to stay healthy. Having to get up to urinate is healthy and will keep them active, even if it is a bit inconvenient at times.
Some seniors need to follow special diets because of their health problems. For example, if they have high blood pressure, they might need to eat less salt.
If they have trouble with their teeth, they might need softer foods. It's important to know about these special needs so we can make meals that are not only good for them but also things they like to eat.
If a senior can't eat certain foods, we might need to give them vitamins or supplements to make sure they're still getting all the nutrients they need.
It's a good idea to have their labs drawn to get information on what supplements may be needed. And sometimes, changing the way we cook or prepare food can make it easier for them to eat and enjoy their meals.
Planning meals for seniors doesn't have to be hard. We can make a list of their favorite foods that are also healthy and come up with a meal plan for the week.
Cooking big batches of food and keeping them in the fridge or freezer can save time and make sure there's always something good and ready to eat.
There are lots of healthy foods that are easy to prepare and don't take a lot of time, like salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Getting seniors involved in planning and making meals can also make them more interested in eating. They can help with simple tasks like washing vegetables or setting the table.
This makes mealtime more fun and gives them a way to stay active and be part of the family. Plus, eating together is a great way to spend time together and enjoy each other's company.
As caregivers, we play a big role in helping our elderly loved ones eat well and stay hydrated. We can make their dining area nice and comfortable, so mealtime is something they look forward to.
We also need to keep an eye out for signs that they might not be eating enough or drinking enough water. If we notice they're losing weight or their urine output is minimal or dark, it is likely time to talk to their doctor to see what’s going on.
Working together with your loved one can help us come up with the best plan for their diet and health. It's all about teamwork and making sure they have everything they need to stay healthy. By being there for them and helping them make good choices, we can make a big difference in their health and happiness.
Taking care of the nutritional and hydration needs of elderly loved ones is a big part of helping them live their best lives.
It's not always easy, but with a little planning and creativity, we can make meals and snacks that are not only healthy but also delicious and fun. And by encouraging them to drink more water and stay active, we can help them stay happy, healthy, and hydrated.
Let's work together to make nutrition and hydration a priority for our seniors, giving them the love and care they deserve every day.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe at home and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>