VISITING ANGELS CENTRAL COAST IN CALIFORNIA 831-430-0616
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Simple Dietary Tips That Can Boost the Overall Health of Seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties

Here’s how family caregivers and professional in-home caregivers can work with seniors in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Marina and surrounding areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California to create healthy, balanced diets

Aging seniors need to eat as healthily as possible in order to maintain a healthy weight, prevent the onset of various illnesses, and manage existing chronic conditions. Unfortunately, many American seniors are malnourished. The report of The National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging states that one in every four aging adults is afflicted by some form or poor nutrition.

The following article from the professional in-home caregivers at Visiting Angels Central Coast can help your aging loved one introduce healthy options into their daily diet and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Combat the Effects of a Slower Metabolism with a Protein-Rich Diet

People often gain weight in senior years. This is because our metabolism has the tendency of slowing down as we age, reducing the body’s ability to burn calories. Mobility issues, lack of physical exercise, and chronic sleeplessness can additionally contribute to a slower metabolism.

To avert this, your senior mom or dad should be encouraged to switch to a diet rich in protein, eat more frequently but take smaller portions, and adopt a senior-friendly exercise regimen recommended by their physician. To combat a slow metabolism, your loved one can sit down with their in-home caregiver and develop a meal plan that will include protein-rich foods such as tuna, salmon, turkey breast, cottage cheese, beef, quinoa, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, eggs and shrimp. 

Increase Calcium and Vitamin D Intake

Calcium and vitamin D are both essential to maintaining strong bones as the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Healthy, strong bones help seniors maintain vitality and avoid falls and subsequent injuries. Nonetheless, aging adults are often deficient in calcium and vitamin D.

Any experienced in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Central Coast can tell you that diet is the best way to boost calcium intake and maintain good bone health. Your parent can opt for tasty, calcium-based recipes and add a mix of fortified cereals, fruit, dark leafy greens, sardines with bones, dairy and other calcium-rich foods to their diet.

Opt for Superfoods that Power the Body

We all know some foods are healthier than others. One of our in-home caregivers can work with your loved one to add certain superfoods to their diet in order to improve their overall health and enjoy a number of health benefits.

Here is a short list of superfoods for healthy aging:

  • Blueberries – High in fiber and packed with vitamins, this type of berries brings an array of health benefits, defending the body against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.
  • Beans – A good replacement for red meat, beans are an excellent source of antioxidants that can be prepared in many different ways and added to many tasty dishes.
  • Greek yogurt – This creamy dairy product full of probiotic cultures promotes healthy digestion and restores the gut flora.
  • Fiber – Foods rich in fiber such as certain vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruit are also helpful in resolving digestive problems and constipation, fairly common in seniors. Consuming plenty of fiber also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Fatty fish – Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, and shellfish provide a great, nutritious way to reduce blood pressure, high triglycerides, and unhealthy cholesterol levels commonly associated with heart disease.
  • Spinach – This nutritious leafy green vegetable is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen our immune system.

If your loved one is struggling with meal preparation and you do not have enough time to cook for them on a daily basis, consider working with a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Central Coast who can make sure your parent is following these guidelines and assist them with various other activities of daily living, too!

Want to learn more? Contact our offices in Scotts Valley or Marina, CA today!

Serving Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas, and throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California

Visiting Angels CENTRAL COAST IN CALIFORNIA
5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: 831-430-0616
Fax: 831-430-0612
HCO #444700002

Serving Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas, and throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California

Visiting Angels CENTRAL COAST IN CALIFORNIA
5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: 831-430-0616
Fax: 831-430-0612
HCO #444700002