Newsletter - Sightloss Services

Nutrition and the Older Adult

Eating well is important at any age. Proper nutrition helps us to maintain health and it provides the energy needed for our daily activities. For some older adults, however, eating balanced, nutritional meals and getting enough of the essential nutrients can be a real challenge. In many cases, this will mean a bit more planning, creativity and being willing to ask for help when you need it.
Stay as physically active as possible to stimulate your appetite and your digestive system.
A healthy diet is essential to feeling well and enjoying life to the fullest. Recent surveys show that most seniors do not eat enough grain products, milk products and vegetable and fruits. Eating too little of those foods can leave you tired, more prone to illness.

Planning Meals: Variety and Balance

1. Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods
Be adventurous. Try something new each month.

2. Eat more grain products to provide energy
and fiber –
Have a bowl of cooked cereal or high fiber ready-to-eat cereal for a meal or a snack

3. Eat more vegetables and fruits for a
powerful punch of nutrients -
Start your day with 100% juice. Keep a package of frozen berries in your freezer to sprinkle on your cereal. Take advantage of seasonal specials.

4. Eat more dairy products and other calcium
rich foods to keep bones healthy -
Use grated cheese on salads, casseroles or soups.

5. Choose leaner meats and lower fat products such as round, flank and loin. Enjoy poultry, fish and seafood more often. Cut down on butter, margarine, dressing and sauces, and choose lower fat varieties.

6. Use salt, caffeine and alcohol in moderation
Try using pepper and other herbs, rather than salt. Choose “lower in salt” products. Drink no more than four cups of coffee a day. Limit your alcohol to no more than one drink a day.

7. Keep active -
Go for a walk. Garden. Join an exercise program for seniors.
HealthLink Alberta, Dietitians of Canada