Loading...
Loading...
BACK2021-10-31
Care Homes
If you are trying to understand the essential nutrients for seniors and how to support healthy aging through diet, here is what every caregiver should know.
Getting the right nutrition is a crucial part of maintaining optimal health for people of any age. This becomes even more important when we consider the essential nutrients for seniors, especially as dietary needs change with age. Yet, many older individuals are often malnourished and face the risk of deteriorating health conditions due to imbalanced diets.
Getting the right nutrition is a crucial part of maintaining optimal health for people of any age. This is especially critical in the case of seniors. Yet, many older individuals are often malnourished and face the risk of deteriorating health conditions due to imbalanced diets. Older adults that do not receive the right balance of protein, vitamins, and essential calories from their diet can develop a variety of health conditions like weakness in muscles, decreased bone density, longer recovery times, and a higher risk of contracting illnesses, due to a weakened immune system. They may also face sudden weight loss, digestive problems, and fluid accumulation. Understanding vitamins for elderly individuals and the specific protein needs older adults have is key to preventing these issues.
In some cases, despite regular tests, many malnutrition cases get overlooked and undiagnosed, leading to increased hospital visits and readmissions. The causes of dietary deficiencies in seniors can vary depending on their health conditions and social factors. Some common causes of malnutrition among seniors are:
Physiological Impairments: Some older adults can experience trouble with chewing and swallowing their food, while some others may have dental problems which prevent them from eating meals with the right nutritional mix.
Lack of appetite: The sense of taste or smell can reduce as seniors age. This can lead to a loss of appetite and decreased interest in consuming any kind of food.
Forgetfulness: Seniors may have memory issues related to age or neurological diseases that can hamper their daily meal routine. Patients who suffer from such ailments may find it difficult to keep track of the meals they consume.
Age-related ailments: Inflammations or infections can also be a possible cause of a reduced appetite. As the body ages, it may find it challenging to absorb the right nutrients into the body.
Medications: Geriatric patients may be under constant medication for chronic conditions like diabetes, increased blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Since most of these illnesses require a strict diet with low sugar, salt, and oil intake, many older adults prefer to skip the meal entirely due to its bland taste.
As an older adult or a care provider for geriatric patients, it is critical to keep track of their daily diet. Meals must be carefully planned, with special attention to the patient’s medical history. This ensures a balanced diet older adults can truly benefit from, supporting healthier aging and overall well-being.
Opting for a premium living facility like Antara Care Homes provides the right environment for seniors of any age to live and thrive. It employs an on-site nutritionist that collaborated with the resident’s healthcare provider, to create specialized meals as per their dietary needs. It houses a 40 member food and beverages team, with expertise in a multitude of cuisines, and is headed by an Executive Chef. All of the food used in the Antara Care Home kitchens are sourced from the local produce supply chain. To learn more about Antara Care Homes, call us at (+91) 9811441111.
For personalised nutritional care, curated meal planning, and a supportive environment for healthy aging, choose Antara care homes for expert senior nutrition and compassionate caregiving.
Conclusion
Are your loving elderlies getting proper nutrition? This thought bothers many of us. Before deciding the right nutrition for them we need to understand the unique challenges faced by them (physiological changes affecting appetite, medication interactions, factors affecting nutrient absorption). If your loved ones are malnourished it's not all about the weight loss; it causes decreased bone density, muscle weakness, compromised immune function and increased risk of falls and hospitalisations.
If the elderlies are getting proper nutrition the likelihood of healthy aging increases (particularly when focusing on plant-based diets rich in whole grains and essential nutrients).
At Antara Senior Care, we combine our specialised and tailored nutrition programs with compassionate care. Our on site nutritionists work closely with families to develop personalised meal plans that address individual health conditions and preferences.
A balanced diet emphasising plant-based foods, whole grains, lean proteins, and adequate hydration works best for seniors. Focus on nutrient-dense foods including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. Limit processed foods and ensure adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass.
You can start with a diet including but not limited to
Key nutrients include vitamin D (six hundred to eight hundred IU daily), calcium (1,000-1,200 mg), vitamin B12 (2.4 mcg) & folate (400 mcg).
Follow recommendations set by your doctor (including but not limited to)
Proper nutrition prevents malnutrition-related complications, maintains muscle mass and bone density, supports immune function, and reduces chronic disease risk. It enhances cognitive function, promotes wound healing, and increases independence. Research shows that well-nourished seniors have significantly better health outcomes and quality of life.
The 3-3-3 rule includes three daily goals:
Please fill in the form and submit the details to request an appointment.