The Ideal Diet Plan for Elderlies

As the body ages, the nutritional needs of the person also needs more focus. The body reaches a point wherein it needs more of the usual intake of vitamins and nutrients because it has to compensate to the bodies’ demands so much so that some of the elderly refuse to eat due to the different discomforts that they are going through. Because of that, they are also more prone to malnutrition. In line with that, there must also be specific limitations to some of the food that the older adults take in because some of them are already experiencing different kinds of health issues. In this case, there is a need to include essential nutrients to help strengthen not just body, but more importantly the immune system. Ottawa Home Care serves their elderly with healthy meals suited for their daily needs. Also, retirement homes and assisted living caregivers just like in Senior Home Care Ottawa, or even those families who have elderly living with them follow certain diet plans to ensure that the seniors get the optimum nutrition that their body needs. 

What must be kept in mind is that the diet plan must be according to the condition of the elderly as well. It must be well balanced and at the same time should also taste appetizing for the elderly to enjoy. This is exactly what BytowneHomeCare Services knows and follows. The 3 important meals must be planned accordingly and if possible, prepared ahead of time to be assured that the meals you provide to the elderly contains the right amounts of calories and nutrients they need. Also, you should provide snacks in between the meals as well, but keep in mind that they must also be healthy and suited for the elder’s health condition. 

Make sure that the servings are in proportion so as not to exceed on the required amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Typically, an elderly will need approximately 2,000 calories based on a normal daily diet. Carbohydrates should correspond at least 45-65 percent of the total caloric intake daily or in other terms an elderly must get at least a total of 225- 325 grams of carbohydrates. But again, it will depend as well on the specific health condition of the senior. 

Proteins are also essential macronutrients that must cover at least 10- 35 percent of the daily caloric intake. In order to get the right amount of the required daily proteins, it is a must to have at least 50 to 175 grams a day. Or to make it easier, in a single meal, a senior must get 15- 19 grams of proteins. Fats on the other hand must only be limited to 44 to 78 grams per day. 

Breakfast may consist of high fiber cereals, milk (depending on the advised type of milk by the nutritionist), fruit juices and coffee. Snack may also be served during the day that which may consist of juices and biscuits. During lunch, an elderly may be served with sandwiches, preferably in whole meal bread, with healthy spreads and chicken or ham. Salads on the side will also be good along with low fat yogurt. During the afternoon, they may consume drinks such as coffee or may also eat fruits. Meals in the evening may include meats served with mashed or boiled potatoes, along with salads, fruits but during the night, it is best to consume plain water instead of fruit juices. Before bedtime, they may be given warm milk.