As we age, our body requires different amounts of calories and nutrients. Just because a senior is healthy, this does not mean that they shouldn’t watch their intake of certain Vitamins and nutrients. Nutrition is a very important part of senior health. The list below provides some nutrition facts for seniors and how these particular nutrients can help or harm the body.

1. Nutrition needs do change with age. Seniors do not need as many calories, but they may need more of certain nutrients. Calcium is important as you age. An increase of calcium will help keep bones strong. Calcium can also reduce the chances of bone fractures.

2. Vitamin D will help to protect the bones as well. Vitamin D can be ingested, but it can also enter the body by being exposed to sunlight. Seniors who expose their hands and face to the sun for 20 minutes two or three times per week will absorb enough Vitamin D.

3. A lack of Vitamin C can produce some health issues such as gums that bleed, low levels of iron and a slower healing time with injuries.

4. Sodium is an important nutrient. Some seniors who retain water will be on a low sodium diet. Older adults with heart disease or high blood pressure should reduce their sodium intake. Healthy seniors should not consume more than 3 grams, or 3000mg, of sodium daily.

5. By taking extra time to adjust the intake of these important nutrients, seniors will improve their over-all health and help to prevent the onset of other health issues in the future.

Source: gicare.com

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Diets and eating plans tend to restrict a lot of foods senior citizens can enjoy. However, a healthy heart diet does not need to be so strict. Much of a heart healthy eating plan merely switches those cartoons of milk from whole to nonfat, helping seniors achieve a healthy heart.

Seniors should always check with their doctor first before changing their diets.

• What Foods to Eat—Seniors following a heart healthy diet should only consume under 6oz of lean meat, fish, and skinless poultry a day. Instead of big meat dishes, seniors can incorporate small amounts of meat, poultry or fish with dishes featuring pasta, rice, beans, or vegetables as the main acts. Also 3 to 4 egg yolks per week should be included in the heart healthy eating plan. The standard 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day along with 6 or more servings of grains a day should also be followed in the eating plan.

• What Foods to Limit—Those seniors aiming to clean out their hearts should stay away from liver, brains, chitterlings, kidneys, gizzard, sweetbreads, pork maws, and ironically, hearts.

• How to cook and prepare Foods—Seniors should try to use cooking methods that do not require fats such as boiling, roasting, poaching or broiling. When preparing food, always trim off the excess fat before cooking meat and poultry. Also after browning, drain off all the fat.

• Dairy—Skim or 1% fat milk is better than whole milk. Also, seniors should select nonfat or lowfat yogurt and cheese.

Source: fi.edu

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Senior Care tips for healthier eating as you age.

If you’ve vowed to improve your health this year, then it might feel like you’re trying to conquer the impossible by going somewhere that so few seniors have managed to go before. Overcome those New Year’s pitfalls by making a change to healthier eating with 5 simple tips:

1. Incorporate colorful foods – a full plate of colorful foods looks appealing, and fruits and vegetables rich with nutrients can help keep seniors full, stave off cravings, and improve their energy levels

2. Choose healthy sweets – have a sweet tooth? Seniors can go for natural sugars over cookies, candies or other unhealthy items. Fruits, whether fresh or dried can satisfy the craving and they’re nutritious

3. Avoid processed food – processed meats in particular are high in salt and other fillers. Instead, buy sandwich meat that hasn’t been processed, use leftovers, or try grilled fish or soy-based products instead

4. Choose whole grains – at least 3 servings of whole grains should be consumed daily for fiber and antioxidants

5. Don’t skip meals – breakfast is the most important meal of the day and shouldn’t be avoided. Seniors should try to eat 3 meals a day plus healthy snacks between to keep their energy up

Via: HealthCastle

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