Nutrition Advice for Older Adults in Winter
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, many families start to think about how best to help their older loved ones stay well through the colder months. Beyond wrapping up in extra layers and switching the heating on, nutrition plays a vital role in keeping older people healthy, comfortable, and energised throughout winter. At Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset, we see every day how important it is for older adults to maintain a balanced diet, and how a little planning can make life much easier and safer at this time of year. If you’d like more ideas on keeping older loved ones active and warm this season, you can read our guide How Can We Help Elderly Loved Ones Stay Active and Warm This Winter.
This blog takes a closer look at practical ways to support older people with meals during colder weather. From easy-to-make recipes to services such as Meals on Wheels, we’ll share ideas that focus on both nourishment and independence, while also touching on why keeping warm matters so much for older adults in Taunton and West Somerset.
Why Winter Nutrition Matters for Older Adults
Older people often feel the cold more than younger adults. Ageing naturally slows down circulation, reduces muscle mass, and can lower appetite, making it harder to keep warm. Eating well is about more than satisfying hunger; it fuels the body to stay healthy, supports the immune system, and even helps regulate body temperature.
Warm, hearty meals and regular hot drinks are particularly important during the colder months. A balanced diet not only provides comfort but also reduces the risk of illness and helps maintain energy levels. Without proper meals, older people can be at greater risk of malnutrition, which in turn affects strength, mobility, and independence.
Simple, Wholesome Winter Meals
Preparing nutritious meals does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. Older adults benefit most from dishes that are hearty, warming, and easy to prepare. Some simple, nourishing ideas include:
- Hearty Soups – Lentil soup, vegetable and barley broth, or chicken and vegetable soup are not only easy to digest but also simple to make in bulk and freeze for later.
- Stews and Casseroles – Slow-cooked beef stew, chicken casserole, or vegetable hotpot provide protein and fibre while being filling and warming.
- Porridge – A classic breakfast choice packed with oats for energy. Add fruit, honey, or a sprinkle of nuts for extra nutrition.
- Baked Fish or Chicken with Vegetables – A sheet-pan style meal that requires minimal preparation while offering balanced nutrition.
- Pasta with Vegetables and Cheese – Comforting, quick, and easy to customise with whatever ingredients are to hand.
Snacks also play an important role. Cheese on wholemeal toast, a handful of nuts, or a banana with yoghurt can give energy between meals while remaining manageable for those with smaller appetites.
Making Meals More Accessible
While wholesome meals are important, preparing them is not always easy for older people. Limited mobility, fatigue, or difficulty with shopping can make cooking a challenge. Families and carers can help by:
- Preparing extra portions of meals to freeze in small containers for reheating later.
- Keeping store cupboards stocked with long-lasting basics such as pasta, rice, tinned soups, and beans.
- Encouraging the use of kitchen gadgets such as slow cookers, which allow meals to cook gently with minimal supervision.
- Planning simple meal ideas for each day of the week to avoid the stress of last-minute decisions.
Meals on Wheels and Local Food Support
For those who struggle with cooking altogether, Meals on Wheels services are a lifeline. In Taunton and West Somerset, there are community-based services that deliver hot, ready-to-eat meals directly to people’s homes. These meals are designed to be balanced, hearty, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Meals on Wheels not only ensure that older adults receive nutritious food but also provide regular contact with a friendly face, a source of reassurance and social interaction that can brighten someone’s day.
Alongside Meals on Wheels, many local charities and councils support older people with shopping services or grocery deliveries. Home Instead Taunton provides support with shopping and cooking assistance, making it easier for older adults to access the food they need.
Staying Warm with the Right Foods
Food does more than provide nourishment; it helps maintain body temperature. Eating hot meals and drinks throughout the day keeps energy levels steady and supports the body’s ability to generate warmth.
Some food choices are particularly helpful for winter:
- Root Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and swede, which are filling and rich in nutrients.
- Protein-rich Foods such as eggs, lean meat, and legumes, which help maintain muscle mass and energy.
- Complex Carbohydrates like oats, wholemeal bread, and brown rice, which release energy slowly and keep the body fuelled for longer.
- Hot Drinks including tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, which bring both comfort and hydration.
Eating smaller meals more frequently can also help older people who struggle with appetite but still need the energy to stay warm.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in keeping us healthy — it helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are essential for strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
A lack of vitamin D can cause health problems such as bone pain or deformities, including rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Because sunlight is our main source of vitamin D, it can be harder to get enough during the autumn and winter months when the days are shorter. That’s why government advice recommends that everyone consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during these seasons to help maintain healthy levels.
Even a small daily supplement can make a big difference in supporting your overall wellbeing — especially when sunshine is in short supply!
Overcoming Shopping Challenges
Food shopping can become difficult with age due to mobility issues, heavy bags, or lack of transport. For some, navigating supermarket layouts or online ordering systems is also daunting. Support can make a world of difference:
- Escorted Shopping Trips give older people both assistance and companionship.
- Home Delivery Services bring groceries straight to the door.
- Online Ordering Support helps older adults who are not confident with technology to access convenient supermarket deliveries.
Such services are particularly valuable in rural areas of Somerset, where transport may not always be straightforward.
The Role of Professional Home Care
At Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset, our Care Professionals provide more than help with meals. We understand that nutrition, warmth, and companionship are closely linked to wellbeing. Our team can:
- Prepare nutritious, warming meals tailored to individual preferences.
- Support with shopping, whether online or in person.
- Encourage hydration and regular hot drinks throughout the day.
- Check that homes are warm and safe, reducing risks linked to cold weather.
- Provide friendly conversation and reassurance that can make mealtimes more enjoyable.
This personalised approach means older adults can continue living at home safely and with dignity, knowing that their daily needs are supported.
Practical Winter Tips for Families in Taunton
If you are caring for an older loved one, these simple steps can help keep them safe and nourished through the colder months:
- Keep a stock of easy-to-cook foods like soup, porridge, and tinned meals.
- Encourage regular hot drinks and snacks.
- Prepare meals in batches to reduce daily cooking effort.
- Arrange shopping support if mobility or transport is a challenge.
- Check that heating is adequate in key rooms such as the living room and bedroom.
- Make sure they have warm clothing and blankets within easy reach.
Even small actions such as a phone call to check whether someone has eaten or feels warm can provide reassurance and help maintain wellbeing.
Where to Find Support in Somerset
There are several organisations and services available to support older adults in the Taunton and West Somerset area during winter:
- Somerset Council – provides information on warm spaces and local support schemes.
- Safe and Warm Somerset Helpline – offers guidance on heating, insulation, and energy costs.
- Meals on Wheels Providers – delivering nutritious, hot meals to homes across the region.
Families can also contact Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset directly for information on how professional care at home can help with meals, shopping, and winter safety.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather can be challenging for older adults, but with the right support, no one needs to face winter alone. Wholesome, easy-to-make meals, reliable food delivery services, and help with shopping all contribute to better health and greater independence. When paired with warmth, companionship, and professional home care, older people in Taunton and West Somerset can enjoy the colder months with confidence and comfort.
At Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset, we are committed to ensuring that every older person has the care, nutrition, and warmth they need to thrive at home. If you would like to learn more about how we can help, please get in touch with our friendly team.
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Taunton, Bridgwater, Monkton Heathfield, Pitminster and the surrounding areas
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