Healthy Eating in Older Adults

Healthy Eating in Older Adults

As we age, our health can naturally decline with conditions such as arthritis, heart disease or Type 2 diabetes.  Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is important for older adults because of the impact of food intake on health. Some of the of the main ways dietary needs change for older people are :

• Less physical activity and energy expenditure leads to a slower metabolism and fewer calories needed.
• Years of research have demonstrated that diet quality has a huge effect on physical condition, cognitive condition, bone health, eye health, vascular function, and the immune system.
• Mobility issues could make it challenging to shop for ingredients, or to spend time preparing meals from scratch.
• Oral health could result in less food being eaten or different food choices being made due to pain or discomfort, or a reduced ability to swallow (dysphagia).

What are the main nutritional needs of older adults?

Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is critically important for older adults because of the impact of food intake on health. Years of research have demonstrated that diet quality has a huge effect on physical condition, cognitive condition, bone health, eye health, vascular function, and the immune system. Yet, this can be challenging to achieve for several reasons:

Older adults may need assistance with making meals from the comfort of their own home. Here at Home Instead, our Care Professionals offer a service where we can prepare and make home cooked meals.

There are several placed which sell local produce such as the bustling ‘Buzzards Valley’