VISITING ANGELS HORSHAM, PA 215-938-7202
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Seniors and Nutrition

Seniors and Nutrition

Everyone needs food to survive, but how often do you think about the food you put into your body and how it affects you? Everything we eat and drink can positively or negatively affect our physical and mental health, and National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to reassess our diet and nutrition. 

What is Nutrition, and Why is it Important?

Nutrition is the process of how your body uses food and water to support itself. Your body receives nutrients through the foods and beverages you consume. Your body needs nutrients to function correctly. 

Proper nutrition is essential at every age, but it’s even more vital as you get older to help prevent or slow the development of certain conditions. A healthy diet can significantly reduce your chances of developing various health concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. 

Basic Nutrition Tips for Seniors

As you age, you want to ensure you’re consuming the proper nutrients to fuel your body. As you plan your meals, consider the following:

  • Limit processed foods. Highly processed foods don’t have much nutritional value, so you’re consuming calories that your body may have trouble using. Instead of eating pre-packaged goods, try incorporating fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats into your diet.
  • Opt for low-sodium foods. Most people have an increased risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol as they age. Eating foods that are high in sodium increases that risk further. Reducing the sodium in your diet can also lower your risk of heart attack, heart disease, and kidney damage. 
  • Drink plenty of water. You need water to keep yourself hydrated. Water also helps the body maintain its temperature and helps rid the body of waste. Try to drink 50 to 60 fluid ounces of water each day. You should consume more water on hot days or times when you’re physically active. 
  • Reduce sugars consumption. Sugar is okay in moderation, but too much sugar can increase your diabetes and heart disease risk. It can also lead to unwanted weight gain and cavities. Try to limit the sugar you consume and kick your craving with natural sugars from fruits instead. 
  • Plan meals. One of the primary reasons people have a hard time getting enough nutrients is because they get busy, and it is more convenient to eat out or purchase a prepackaged meal. When you’re busy, try to plan your meals ahead of time. Knowing what you’re going to eat before you’re hungry can help you avoid impulse food purchases. 

If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease that requires a specialty diet, make sure to consult your doctor before making any significant dietary changes. 

Working with Visiting Angels

Planning, prepping and cooking healthy meals each day can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. If you’re a senior interested in cooking more nutritious meals at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. We provide kitchen assistance to help you navigate recipes, chop ingredients, and cook food. We can also assist you at the grocery store or help you find new recipes online. 

Our Horsham office serves those in Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can call us at 215.938.7202 or complete this online form.

Serving Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels HORSHAM, PA
300 Welsh Rd Bldg 1 #131
Horsham, PA 19044
Phone: 215-938-7202

Serving Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels HORSHAM, PA
300 Welsh Rd Bldg 1 #131
Horsham, PA 19044
Phone: 215-938-7202