How can seniors and their caregivers focus on nutritious meals while still fully enjoying the holidays?
Ensure to follow nutritional guidelines for seniors
Older adults should eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and protein and remember to eat in moderation.
For many seniors, maintaining healthy eating can be a challenge during the holidays.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans - MyPlate , older adults should have half of their daily meals be colorful vegetables and fruits, especially berries. Additionally, limit salt to avoid chronic disease.
Older adults should consume plenty of protein, including fish, lean meat, seafood, low-fat dairy, eggs and nuts – as well as healthy fats. Whole grains and fortified milk also play an important role.
However, Jody Engel, a registered dietitian at the National Institutes of Health , suggests that during this special occasion, seniors should eat their favorite foods in moderation, according to AARP .
Small adjustments for better taste
Older adults should have half of their diet be colorful vegetables and fruits.
For some seniors, getting adequate nutrition during the holidays and throughout the year can be difficult. In older adults, taste changes can reduce appetite. Therefore, caregivers need to add healthy seasonings during the holidays to stimulate appetite. In particular, delicious holiday dishes can certainly appeal to the taste buds of seniors.
If a loved one is having memory problems, consider using a red plate. Research has found that people with Alzheimer’s often don’t finish their meals and many lose excessive weight. But the study found that patients who ate from red plates consumed 25 percent more food, according to Edgehill Community.
Relax, recharge and have fun
Tet is also a time to be with loved ones and review family traditions.
During this potentially stressful time, it is important to prioritize self-care and effective stress management to ensure mental and emotional health.
Tet is also a time to be with loved ones and celebrate family traditions. Simply spending time together can make the holidays special and meaningful.
Don't forget these!
Even on Tet holiday, don't skip meals and pay attention to drinking enough water as well as taking advantage of physical exercise or sleeping on time.
People’s schedules can easily get disrupted during the busy holiday season. It is important to remember to maintain your medication and dosage schedule as prescribed by your doctor. Using a pillbox with compartments for each day will help remind you to take your medication, avoiding confusion or omission.
Even eating on time, drinking enough water, exercising and sleeping are disrupted. Therefore, family members need to pay attention to reminding elderly relatives not to skip meals and to drink enough water as well as taking advantage of physical activity or sleeping on time, according to the health news site VIP Care.
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