Learn about the best ways to maintain a healthy diet during the coldest parts of the year, so you can remain in great shape now and throughout the year.
Malnutrition can be a problem for 1 million older people in the UK. This is for a wide variety of reasons, including the fact that older people require less calories as they age, but they still need the same amount of nutrients. There may also be issues with appetite for a number of reasons, including low mood or certain health conditions.
Eating a healthy diet is so important at any age, but amongst the elderly is really matters because it helps maintain strength and immunity. A lowered immune system can be problematic because infections that may be fine in a younger person can be very dangerous or even fatal. A lack of strength can be a problem because the elderly need strength to avoid falling. Falls can be a real danger for the elderly. The Live-in Care Hub Better At Home report showed that 1 in every 12 people who suffer a hip fracture will lose their life because of the injury. Furthermore, 6 people of every 12 who suffer a hip fracture won’t return home afterwards and will instead need to go into some sort of care.
There are lots of reasons to eat a healthy diet in the winter months, and throughout the year. Here are some tips to help you eat well for optimum vitality:
Eat More Fruit And Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are packed with all kinds of nutrients, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants that benefit your health. Steamed veggies, or blended veggies in smoothies and soups can work well if you have problems chewing. Try to accompany meals with salads, vegetables and fruits where possible to up your nutrient intake in a way that doesn’t increase your calories too much.
Go Whole Grain
Brown rice, brown pasta, quinoa and whole grain bread are much higher in nutrition compared to highly processed white options. Always choose the whole grain option for your filling carbs.
Drink More
Our bodies are made up of lots and lots of water and it is needed to keep the body’s processes working well. If you struggle with plain water, try herbal teas, high water fruits and vegetables, and sugar-free squash in your water.
Each More Earlier
You might feel less hungry by the end of the day, or in winter, more likely to go to bed early. For this reason, have your main calories for lunch and then have something light for your evening meal. This is better for your digestion too, so may even help you feel better overall on a day to day basis.
Get Some Support
If you are struggling to go out and get ingredients for food, or you are struggling to cook for yourself, then now might be the time to look into care. Homecare can be a great idea if you would like a person living in your home with you, who can cook for you and provide help with other elements of care too. You can find out more about home care services at the live-in care hub. Alternatively, if you don’t feel you need such substantial care, perhaps you could gain some advice from your doctor about nutrition, and even get some blood tests to check for any deficiencies. Or, there are different kinds of care you can get where a person can come to your for an hour or set time to provide care and support. You might even just want to reach out to your family or friends for help if that seems more suitable.
Just do be sure to reach out if you need help in any way, because you can have the quality of life you deserve with the right support.
