Private Duty Home Care Monitors Nutrition in Schererville, IN and the Surrounding Area
Visiting Angels’ Private Duty Home Care Promotes Healthy Eating in Schererville, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Munster, Dyer, and Nearby Cities
Maintaining our ideal weight gets harder as we age. We get less exercise; our metabolism slows down and our appetites change. Medications or mood can affect the choices we make. In turn, it is more difficult to get the nutrients we need to stay healthy. Visiting Angels of Schererville’s private duty home care providers can monitor your elderly loved one’s food intake, plus help with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
According to Meeting Your Nutritional Needs as You Age by Diana Rodriguez, “Age-related changes can affect how your body processes food, which influences your dietary needs and affects your appetite.” For example, our digestive systems change. As we age, our bodies produce less of the fluids needed for proper digestion; this makes it more difficult to absorb food. As a result, we should take supplements such as folic acid, vitamins B6, and B12.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
To maintain a healthy daily diet, the National Institute on Aging suggests:
- Grains: 5-10 ounces
- Meats and beans: 5-7 ounces
- Milk: 3 cups
- Vegetables: 2-3.5 cups
- Fruit: 1.5-2.5 cups
- Oils: 6 teaspoons
Obviously, we have unique tastes and medical needs, but certain guidelines apply to us all:
- Add healthy fats
- Choose whole grains
- Include high fiber foods
- Pack in the protein
- Include ample amounts of calcium
- Get enough vitamin B6 and B12
- Avoid excessive sweets
Drink Plenty of Water
It is also important for seniors to drink enough fluids to stay well hydrated. According to fellowshipseniorliving.org, seniors might not drink enough water because of a diminished sense of thirst. Hydration helps control body temperature, delivers nutrients and medications, carries away waste, ensures proper blood volume, and keeps our urinary tract healthy. It also keeps our mouth, nose, eyes, and skin moist. Add ice or fruit juice to improve the taste of water. Eat plenty of fluid-rich fruits and vegetables, plus caffeine-free beverages and soups to stay healthy. Consider Visiting Angels of Schererville's private duty home care; we can help with grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, and reminders to take medications and vitamins.
Learn More Today
Growing older is inevitable and slowing down will happen. Yet, we can delay the aging process by eating healthy and exercising. If you are interested in more information about nutrition and private duty home care in Schererville and the surrounding areas, contact Visiting Angels of Schererville at 219-500-5896.