Senior nutrition guidelines from the MyPlate for Older Adults model emphasizes optimal overall health.

A well-balanced diet is vital for maintaining a healthy body, and as individuals age, their nutritional requirements evolve. Tufts University’s nutritional experts have introduced the MyPlate system, an enhanced version of the traditional food pyramid, offering contemporary guidelines tailored to seniors.

The MyPlate for Older Adults model not only highlights foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals while low in salt, sugar, and fat but also addresses crucial aspects such as recommended physical activities and fluid intake—specifically tailored to the concerns of the aging population.

A healthy diet for seniors has many challenges. Use these tips to overcome them.

What Are the MyPlate for Senior Nutritional Guidelines?

As activity levels commonly decrease with age, older individuals often necessitate fewer calories. However, maintaining optimal health still requires the same or increased levels of essential nutrients and regular physical activity. MyPlate for Older Adults suggests:

• Brightly colored vegetables, such as carrots and peppers.
• Deeply colored fruits, like melons and berries.
• Whole, fortified, enriched grains and cereals, like brown rice.
• Low and non-fat dairy products, including yogurt and low lactose milk.
• Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads, which are lower in saturated and trans fats.
• Spices as a substitute to salt.
• Liquids such as water and fat-free milk.
• Physical activity, including walking, resistance training, and light housekeeping.

Additionally, further guidelines include taking advantage of options that are easier to prepare and decrease waste, like bags of frozen pre-cut vegetables and single-portion cups of fruit.

How Can Home Care Help?

At Home Matters Caregiving, we realize it can be a challenge to help aging loved ones follow a healthy diet. Our trained and experienced caregivers can:

• Help plan and prepare wholesome, appetizing meals based on your loved one’s specific nutritional needs.
• Provide transportation and accompaniment to exercise classes, or provide the motivation and encouragement to stay physically active in other ways, such as taking walks together or participating in recorded exercise programs.
• Take care of grocery shopping and other errands.
• Ensure the senior stays hydrated.
• Offer friendly companionship every step of the way.
• And more!