Nutrition for the elderly can sometimes be challenging because of their declining sense of taste and decreasing metabolism. However, specific food products can benefit those in elderly care homes and help them maintain their health and memory if consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Please be reminded that these foods do not cure diseases but help promote good health and even prevent some conditions. Some foods can be useful for memory, while others benefit seniors by improving their metabolism. Some foods also boost the immune system to protect them from diseases.
Apples are beautiful fruits for those struggling to maintain their blood sugar levels or have high cholesterol. The soluble fiber they contain can help lower cholesterol and slow the uptake of glucose. Seniors mostly experience these conditions, which is why they need to eat more apples.
If you are looking for good for the memory and brain function, you should consume the right amounts of shellfish like scallops, crabs, and oysters as they contain vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, and potassium. However, seniors should limit these foods as they can also cause high blood pressure.
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and turnip greens, as well as vegetables like broccoli, have been linked to lower levels of cognitive decline as people age, according to a study published in the Annals of Neurology. These vegetables can also contribute to a senior’s metabolism as they are rich in fiber and other minerals.
Maintaining a nutritious diet is difficult for a senior citizen, even with a caregiving service. There are ways to make sure that your loved one is getting the right nutrients, and if you want to know what these ways are, you can check this infographic from Euro-American Connections and Homecare.