As we age, we often think, “I can eat what I want. I am not out to impress anyone and I have lived, why not!?” This is probably a pretty bad mindset, though. You need to eat for your health and happiness, and while we can all indulge every once in a while, it all has to be in moderation. You hear over and over how important diet is to stay healthy–well you are what you eat in some cases. What are you? Why not eat healthy and enjoy your aging life more fully?

4 Tips for Healthy Senior Eating

1. Make Eating Social–Sometimes we eat healthier when we are with friends. Nothing like having some good social time over a nice meal. Socialization is a big part of being healthy as well, so why not eat and visit with family or friends? It’s a win-win situation.
2. Make Eating Safe–As we age, we can forget to check labels for expiration dates. It is important that we check the labels and know the food is fresh. Also mom or dad needs to prepare food properly to avoid any health risks. It is vital to cook food to the proper temperature and for the proper time to avoid illness that can turn into life threatening issues. For example, eggs, poultry, fish, and meat must to be cooked properly for safety.
3. Spice It Up— Aging can wreak havoc on our senses. Some foods you love can now taste strange or just bland. Also if you take any medication, some foods can lose their taste. Now is the time to hit the spice cabinet. It does not mean you have to have your food hot and light your mouth on fire, but add some spices to make the flavor enjoyable again. Spices like cinnamon and lemon can also help with digestion. However, beware of salt, as too much can cause health issues.
4. Check with your Doctor on Supplements or Food Recommendations–Maybe you are missing something in your diet that is causing you to not feel well. It is important to share with your doctor any digestive issues or food aversions. It is also important to ask your doctor if your medications will change your diet. Do you need supplements? Sometimes they are helpful to your diet deficiencies, but sometimes they are not all that good for you, and can interfere with medications too. To keep your diet intact and healthy talk with your doctor regularly about what is wise to eat for your body and any medications you might be taking.

These are just a few tips to get you thinking about healthy eating and living so you can enjoy aging. Need more tips on aging well? Give me a call at (203) 359-5777.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.