The Best Diet for the Elderly

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Nutrition is something we all should consider, but a good diet for the elderly is a must if they wish to maintain their health and mobility.

While creating an organised meal plan can be challenging for some, knowing what foods are good for you is a necessary first step. To help you or an elderly relative know what to eat, here are some tips on the best diet for the elderly!

Why Diet is Important for the Elderly

As we get older, our metabolism slows down and our capability to absorb nutrients decreases. This means older people need to consider what they eat much more than younger people, so they provide their bodies with the nutrients they need.

Due to a slower metabolism, elderly diets should consist of nutrient-heavy foods, filled with fruit and vegetables, alongside lean proteins. Elderly people will also likely have mobility issues, meaning incorporating foods that are good for inflammation and flexibility are necessary too.

The Best Foods for Inflammation

As we age, weakened immune systems make us more susceptible to inflammation, which can lead to undesirable issues. Chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular diseases, increased risk of cancer, joint pain and stiffness, and it can even lead to mental issues such as depression and anxiety.

While inflammation can be a good thing for the body when injured, you want to avoid chronic inflammation. The best foods to combat this are those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements. Try to incorporate the following foods into your diet if chronic inflammation is an issue:

• Fatty fish like salmon and tuna
• Five fruits and vegetables every day- great for their anti-inflammatory properties
• Sources of fibre such as wholegrains, lentils and nuts
• Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir

Be sure to cook with olive oil where possible, too, as it helps to reduce inflammation. Try to avoid processed meats and sugary items like fizzy drinks and cakes.

The Best Foods for Flexibility

With older age, flexibility and range of motion naturally decrease. Joints become less lubricated, cartilage thins out, connective tissues shorten and muscle mass decreases, leading to us becoming less mobile.

To help improve movement, regular, gentle exercises are recommended for older people. Alongside this, introducing the following foods into your diet can help:

• Proteins like fish, poultry, lean meats, tofu and dairy products
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as around 75% of muscles are water
• Vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits and peppers
• Bone broth for its collagen

Similar to problems with inflammation, try to avoid processed foods and stay away from saturated fats that can contribute to worsened mobility.

Benefits of a Good Diet for the Elderly

Good nutrition will provide your body with the means to function properly. For the elderly in particular, a good diet will help improve mobility, reduce the risk of weight gain, diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes, letting you lead a happy and healthy life.

Good diet, paired with exercise and support at home can improve the livelihood of everyone. For the less mobile, who suffer from ailments like arthritis, our supportive mobility furniture can provide extra support at home. Our riser recliner chairs and adjustable beds provide several benefits, from improved independence to reduced back pain to superior comfort at home! Explore our range of recliner chairs and electric beds today!