As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”. For those of us who provide care to others, we know that nutrition is an important part of sustained health, recovery and overall wellness. March is National Nutrition Month, and we are excited to feature helpful articles about nutrition in our newsletters, and on our website and social networks. Check in with SYNERGY HomeCare throughout the month for more installments on nutrition and caregiving.
March is recognized as National Nutrition Month by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and it serves as a good time for home care providers to evaluate what their clients are eating. Healthy eating is an important part of elderly individuals’ well-being, and there are a few things senior caregivers should focus on when devising meals for their patients.
Healthy Bones
Bone health is often one of the most significant concerns to seniors. Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis are not only painful, but they can raise the risk of falling. Luckily, there are certain compounds that are tied to improved bone health such as calcium and vitamin D. There are a number of good sources for both nutrients, such as milk and oily fish. Calcium is also found in leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach.
Healthy Heart
It’s also important for seniors to maintain optimum heart health, something in which diet certainly plays a role. Adding fruits and vegetables is always a good step to take, notes the Mayo Clinic. However, choosing the right fats is important as well, which means focusing on olive oil and canola oil and avoiding substances like butter and creamy sauces.
Healthy Seniors
Healthy eating is particularly important in the senior population. Experts say older adults are especially vulnerable to malnutrition due to everything from depression to other health concerns.
