Having elderly family members means a completely different dietary requirement every day. Ensuring old-age food matches their health needs and their condition is vital. One must also remember that the body mass and metabolism slow down as a person ages. Besides, ageing changes one’s digestive system, appetite and food preferences. Also, older adults may need soft foods that are easy to chew and digest. A balanced old age diet chart in India is a mix of seasonal fruits and veggies to combat year-long infections.
t the same time, giving senior citizens a wholesome diet with foods rich in nutrients is extremely necessary so that their immunity and overall health remain strong. With age, energy needs may reduce, but nutrition requirements increase. In this article, we have elaborated on the old age diet chart that will help your ageing parents in combating old age-related weaknesses and conditions.
>>Also Read: Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Seniors
1. Oatmeal as Breakfast Option
Breakfast cereals such as oats, cornflakes, and porridge are considered healthy food for senior citizens, improving their Vitamin B12 levels. Often found in animal products, Vitamin B12 is essential for improving nerve functioning and the production of red blood cells in elderly individuals.
2. Vegetable Soups loaded with Nutrients
Whether salty or sour, soups top the diet chart for old age. Prepare soups with vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, spinach, green peas etc., that are ideal options for dinner. Include green leafy vegetables and potassium-rich foods in their diet. It would help control their blood pressure and improve muscles' flexibility. However, one should strike a balance when it comes to the amount of potassium intake.
3. Seasonal Fruits to Fight Ailments
Fruits containing Vitamin C and fibre, including oranges, apple, avocado, pears, raspberries, and banana are considered the best fruits for old age. Fruits such as oranges contain Vitamin C with antioxidant properties, thus helping keep heart diseases at bay. Vitamin C not only boosts immunity but also helps heal wounds and improve skin elasticity. Senior citizens who often complain of constipation should take plenty of fruits to help in bowel movement and aid in digestion since fruits contain ample fibre.
4. Dairy Products for Bone Health
Calcium-rich foods such as milk and green vegetables are vital for older adults, especially women. Dairy products provide calcium to help the body deal with conditions such as osteoporosis. Also, it is better to combine them with foods rich in Vitamin D which aids in calcium absorption in the body. One can go for yoghurt, which also contains proteins and probiotics to aid digestion. Also, to avoid vitamin D deficiency, ensure your ageing parents get some sunshine outdoors.
5. Herbs and Spices for Immunity
Herbs and spices work wonders for keeping the body healthy and constitute the best food for weakness in old age. Some of them help in fighting chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and reducing the risks of cancer. For instance, ginger helps in the absorption of nutrients. Garlic is another spice that not only adds flavour to food; it also lowers blood pressure, blood sugar level and cholesterol. Other options are aloe vera, turmeric, and cinnamon which have many healing and immunity-boosting properties, thus helping the body in fighting off infections.
Note: The above information is for reference purposes only. Please consult with your doctor.
Conclusion
To sum up, we can say that senior citizen diet plan should be a balanced one comprising carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they should keep a watch on their water intake. Ageing reduces the body's ability to conserve water. Hence, it is necessary to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and other health problems. In case seniors are dealing with a kidney or liver ailment; then it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Have you opted for health coverage for your senior citizen parents? If not, it is time you choose a Senior Citizen Health Insurance Plan that will give them financial security in case of a medical emergency. Visit the website of Care Health Insurance and opt for Care Senior. The policy offers many benefits that include cashless hospitalisation, annual health check-ups and no claim bonuses.
Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and underwriting of claims are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
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