As people age, their nutritional needs change. Unfortunately, many seniors fall short when it comes to maintaining a nutrient-rich diet. Since diet should be a primary focus in comprehensive senior care, here are a few foods to make sure your elderly parent eats regularly.  

What Are the Best Foods for Senior Nutrition?

1. Lean Protein

Protein serves an important role in senior wellness. The nutrient can help to provide adequate energy and prevent sarcopenia, the involuntary loss of muscle mass and strength that can occur with age. Protein can also aid in weight management and cardiovascular wellness. 

Senior care plans should incorporate lean or plant-based sources of protein, including chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, and tempeh. Fatty meats are more likely to present health risks such as clogged arteries, and are therefore best limited or avoided altogether.

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are critical to a healthy diet at any age, and the senior years are no exception. These foods are loaded with beneficial micronutrients, which can help reduce the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, and help protect against cancer. They’re also rich in fiber, which can help maintain digestive health even as the digestive tract slows down with age. 

Tough, fibrous vegetables can be difficult for seniors with dental issues to enjoy. Consider cooking fibrous foods like carrots, and offer alternatives like unsweetened applesauce. Incorporate dark leafy greens into their daily diet with palatable options, such as vegetable-rich soups or smoothies with blended kale or spinach. 

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains are another excellent energy source for seniors since they contain fatigue-busting micronutrients like B-vitamins. Additionally, they can help reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. They’re also excellent sources of protein and can help prevent constipation and other digestive senior care concerns. While white pasta, bread, and other grain products are heavily processed, whole grains are the most natural form of the food and have the greatest nutritional benefits.

Make sure your senior gets plenty of whole-grain foods, including oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread. Often, these foods are easier to incorporate into meals since they’re not too difficult to chew, but offering variety can help to prevent boredom. For instance, consider serving different fruit with oatmeal, whole-grain toast with various toppings such as peanut butter or avocado, and pasta- and rice-based dishes. 

For comprehensive senior care that emphasizes high-quality nutrition, turn to West Vue. This senior living community offers options for seniors of all needs, ranging from independent living to assisted living and nursing homes. Explore their living options online or request a tour by calling (417) 256-2152.