Helping your Parent Choose Healthy Food
May 18, 2017
Eating a healthy diet has been proven to play a major part in health at any age. For the elderly, it is of particular importance. Diseases that are associated with improper diets include diabetes,
heart disease, some cancers, stroke, arthritis and osteoporosis. Eating a good diet can help keep these diseases at bay or, if your loved one already has one, may even help slow down the progression or play a part in minimizing some of the associated symptoms.
The Benefits
If your loved one has difficulty making dietary changes, it can often help to know just what making these changes can do for their body in the immediate time frame and as long-term benefits. Weight loss can be a major incentive, particularly if they know that the force on weight bearing joints such as the knees is 1 ½ times their body weight. A minimal weight loss of 10 to 15 pounds can take a significant amount of pressure off of aching knees.
In addition to weight loss, eating well can increase their energy and aid in better digestion. Many digestive problems can be prevented by proper nutrition.
Where to Start
When making any lifestyle changes, it’s always best to start in increments and work up to the big picture. In an ideal world, your parent might consider the Mediterranean diet or the plate plan. The Mediterranean diet consists of a host of fruits and vegetables, exchanging fats such as butter for olive oil, adding a good chunk of garlic to the diet and replacing fatty meats with a predominance of fish, poultry, beans and nuts. The plate plan is easy to implement and simply stated consists of filling your plate up with half fruits and vegetables, one-quarter high-quality protein and the other quarter whole grains at meal time.
Begin making changes by switching white bread or pasta to whole grains. Provide a serving of fruit at breakfast. Serve two servings of salmon each week and add a leafy green salad tossed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to their dinner every evening. Before you know it, they will be feeling the effects and asking for more.
Senior Care Provider
A senior care provider can help your loved one make the healthy lifestyle changes. They can do the grocery shopping and then return home to prepare healthy meals. They can accompany your parent on daily walks. They can assist with the everyday activities of living while they provide the companionship and care so important to the elderly.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Robinson Township, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care. Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551
Resources: http://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/why-weight-matters-when-it-comes-to-joint-pain