Our nutrition needs change with age, as toddlers have different dietary requirements compared to adolescents, young adults, and older adults. We often forget this fact while preparing meals in intergenerational households or shopping for ourselves as each birthday passes.
In this article, we are highlighting the best foods for seniors and nutrition tips to help older adults live healthier than ever before.
Changing Eating Habits with Age
As many people get older, their metabolisms slow down and they become less active. If this is your situation, you may need to reduce your overall calorie intake so that you have a better balance between food intake and activity level.
However, seniors are living longer and staying stronger than in the past. So, if you continue to engage in steady exercise well into your 60s, 70s, and 80s, you may need to add more protein to your diet to fuel those workouts. Digestion issues also often increase with age, so make sure to get enough fiber in your daily meals so that your internal organs process food in an efficient way.
Nutrient-Rich Foods That Benefit Seniors
There are certain nutrient-dense foods that are highly recommended for seniors to eat. Some seniors experience decreased appetite as they get older due to medical conditions or reduced activity. In this case, you will want to focus on the foods that pack the biggest nutritional punch before you get full and don’t feel like eating anymore.
Here are some of the best foods to incorporate into your senior diet:
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale for carotenoids and vitamins
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts for an all-around mix of vitamins
- Antioxidant-rich berries, especially blueberries
- Nuts and seeds for protein-rich snacks
- Avocados for a healthy dose of fats
- Plain Greek yogurt for calcium and probiotics
- Fatty fish like salmon and tuna for omega-3s
Talk to Your Doctor About Supplements
Unfortunately, poor nutrition is very common among the senior population in the U.S. Many seniors can’t afford to pay big grocery bills on a fixed income. Other seniors don’t want to go through the trouble of cooking big meals just for themselves at home. When seniors’ health is compromised by debilitating medical conditions, they may not have the energy or focus to cook like they used to. However, nutrient deficiencies can worsen existing medical conditions or cause unexplained symptoms that get in the way of daily life.
Talk to your doctor about your diet and the symptoms you are feeling to determine if testing for nutrient deficiencies is recommended. Vitamin deficiency tests are typically conducted with a blood sample and can reveal where you can make improvements in your diet. Seagate offers a variety of natural supplements to help you make up for those deficiencies in an easy, accessible, and affordable capsule form. The fruits, vegetables, and proteins in our supplements come from our very own farming and fishing operations, so you can trust the source and know you are putting the healthiest supplements into your body with no chemicals, toxins, or additives.