The age above 60 years is called old age and one of the important things that should be paid special attention to at this age is nutrition and the food plan table for the elderly. Because during this period, the nutritional needs will change and at the same time, the body of an elderly person is exposed to diseases more than before. In assisted living, food menu should be designed in such a way that, in addition to providing the required energy, it also meets the specific nutritional needs of the elderly.
Paying attention to proper diet can help prevent physical problems and improve the quality of life of the elderly. In order to ensure health and improve the body’s immune system during this period, it is necessary to carefully identify the nutritional needs of the elderly and plan a diet that fits these needs.
Foods that help preserve vitamins and minerals should be included in the diet of the elderly. In this article from humanhealthmag, we will examine the importance of the food menu in assisted living, the factors influencing assisted living food menu, and the important points in preparing food for the elderly.
Importance of Food Standards in Assisted Living Facilities
Proper nutrition, in addition to providing the energy needed by the elderly, plays a key role in maintaining their health. With age, the body’s need for some nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein increases. The assisted living food menu should be adjusted in such a way that these needs are completely met.
Proper nutrition also can play an important role in preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, heart diseases and some types of cancer. Also, a balanced and varied diet improves the quality of life, strengthens the immune system and even increases the lifespan of the elderly.
In addition, according to the physical conditions and specific needs of each person, the food menu should be designed in such a way that it solves nutritional problems such as chewing and swallowing problems and prevents the occurrence of nutrition-related diseases. Yes, you understood correctly, many elderly people face problems in swallowing food. The food menus for assisted living facilities should include soft and chewable foods to avoid respiratory problems.
Best Diet Plan for Seniors
For the nutrition of the elderly, following a proper diet and getting enough and balanced nutrients throughout the day can significantly reduce the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood lipid disorders or control them more effectively. Malnutrition in the elderly can be completely invisible and hidden. How is elderly malnutrition treatment and what food is good for malnutrition in the elderly? Do you know?
Studies show that the elderly should increase their protein consumption compared to young people, but many of them do not consume enough protein. Although nutritional care is an issue that should be given enough attention even before the age of old age, the food groups that should be considered in the nutrition of the elderly include:
- Vegetables and fruits to provide vitamins, fiber and iron
- Dairy products include yogurt, buttermilk, milk, curd, etc. to prevent osteoporosis and provide calcium needed by the elderly.
- Cereals such as whole grain bread, rice and potatoes to provide the energy needed by the elderly
- Proteins to reduce the possibility of diseases and infections and provide energy for the elderly (it is interesting to know that proteins provide between 40 and 60% of the daily energy needed by the elderly)
- Vitamins such as eggs, milk, etc.
- Liquids to improve the functioning of the digestive system and the kidney system of a person
- Green tea, due to its positive effects on increasing the body’s metabolism, having strong antioxidant compounds to reduce internal inflammations and prevent the occurrence of diseases related to oxidation and inflammation
Sample Assisted Living Food Menu
The best assisted living food menu should contain all food groups. Although the elderly need fewer calories than others, vitamins, calcium and proteins should be included in this program. In the following, we will refer to a list of food items that assisted living facilities can serve to the elderly in different breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals.
Breakfast
Considering that breakfast is the beginning of the day, it should contain the right amount of protein to provide energy for the elderly. The following items can be suitable options for the elderly breakfast:
- Yogurt with nuts, almonds and fruit
- Skim milk with high-fiber cereal and a glass of juice
- Fresh or frozen berries that are cooked with gentle heat
- Fortified toast with peanut butter
- Whole grain bread with fruits like avocado
- Hot oatmeal
- Hard-boiled eggs with wheat toast and fruit
- Chia seed pancakes with fresh berries
Lunch
It is better to use foods that are easy to digest and easily excreted from the body in the lunch for the elderly. The following items with these characteristics can be included in the assisted living lunch meal.
- Low-fat broth
- Almond butter or low-fat wheat milk
- Spinach and strawberry salad with olive oil
- Salmon with vegetables
- Chicken sandwich with whole meal bread
- Baked potatoes with olive oil, vegetables and grated cheese
- Omelet
- Salmon steak
- Chicken
In addition to the mentioned items, don’t forget to use green beans because these vegetables are rich in vitamin C.
Dinner
The thing you should keep in mind when preparing the assisted living food menu is that many elderly people either do not eat enough or swallow their food without chewing well due to oral and dental problems. Therefore, the dinner that is eaten before going to bed should be lighter than the lunch. The following are some of the food items that can be mentioned for elderly people’s dinner:
- Chicken salad
- Baked potatoes
- Pasta with vegetables
In addition, it is recommended to use low-fat boiled, grilled or steamed fish white meat instead of red meat, two to three boiled eggs per week can be included in the diet plan of the elderly. It should be noted that along with these foods, fresh lemon juice, basil powder and other dried vegetables can also be used. Note that the amount of food in each meal can be different based on the condition of the elderly, his/her weight and other medical conditions.
Foods Should Avoid in Assisted Living Food Menu
Some of the foods that are harmful in elderly nutrition and that elderly people should not eat include the following:
- Raw and undercooked eggs and raw or undercooked meat may be harmful to the elderly due to the possibility of bacterial infections and the risk of sepsis.
- Salty foods can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular problems. High salt intake can also lead to fluid retention and kidney problems in the elderly
- Caffeine and beverages containing it, such as coffee, dark chocolate, and some types of tea, can cause sleep disturbances and interfere with medications.
- Sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages may lead to weight gain, diabetes, and dental problems. Also, the gas in these drinks can cause bloating and digestive problems.
- Alcoholic beverages can lead to problems including liver dysfunction, drug interactions, and increased risk of low blood pressure and heart problems.
- Nutrient-free fast food: Fast food can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease and digestive problems in the elderly due to their high saturated fat, sugar and salt content and low nutritional value. The best fast food for no teeth is varied and nutritious food that meets the needs of their bodies at this age.
Concluding Remarks
It is not an exaggeration to say that the most important nutritional advice for the elderly is to prepare light and simple food while satisfying the person’s nutritional needs. In general, the food consumed should be full of fiber, low in salt, low in fat and low in cholesterol.
Elderly nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health and preventing diseases. As mentioned in this article from Human Health Magazine, with age, the need for nutrients and balanced consumption of foods becomes more important. Consuming dark green leafy vegetables, green tea, salmon, and foods containing vitamin C and whole grains can help maintain bone health, strengthen the immune system, and prevent chronic diseases.
Healthy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit and fruit salad also provide energy and nutrients. On the other hand, you should avoid harmful foods such as raw eggs, salty and salty foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol. Paying attention to these points in planning the assisted living food menu can help improve their quality of life and maintain their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Factors Are Effective in Planning Assisted Living Food Menu?
Among the factors influencing the assisted living food menu are the general health status of the elderly, underlying diseases, food sensitivities and intolerances, age, level of physical activity, personal eating habits, and the ability to chew and swallow.
Why is the Consumption of Dark Green Leafy Vegetables Important for the Elderly?
Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are rich in fiber, vitamin K and minerals that help strengthen bones and prevent bone fractures. Also, these vegetables help improve the functioning of the digestive system and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What Snacks Are Useful in Feeding the Elderly?
Healthy snacks for seniors include unsalted nuts, dried fruits, and fruit salad. These snacks not only provide energy and necessary nutrients, but also help strengthen the immune system and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, nuts can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
What Are the Dietary Tips for Assisted Living Food Menu?
Food consistency is very important for the elderly. Soft and chewable foods are more suitable for seniors who have difficulty chewing. Purees, soups, boiled and steamed, and chopped foods are among the foods that have the right consistency for the elderly. Also, sauces and soups that thickened using food thickener for elderly can help soften the food.