As we age, our dietary needs and priorities evolve. That is why, for seniors, maintaining good health and well-being hinges significantly on the food choices we make. With the proper knowledge and guidance, adopting and maintaining healthy eating habits can be manageable and pretty straightforward.
Whether you’re a senior yourself or a caregiver, we have all the tools and tips you need to embark on a path towards optimal ageing through healthier eating habits.
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Eat Whole Foods
As we age, our bodies require a range of nutrients to maintain good health, many of which are abundant in whole foods. These include vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and proteins that keep our bodies functioning effectively. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and whole grains are generally low in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which can cause some health issues. The consumption of whole foods, as opposed to processed and packaged foods, can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and provide the body with essential nutrients for it to thrive later in life.
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Support Bone Health With Calcium Rich Food & Drinks
The process of aging can cause a gradual decrease in our enamel and bone density. Although these are all natural parts of aging, they can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, fractures, and osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D play a vital role in managing these issues by promoting enamel remineralisation, bone mineralisation, and slowing the rate of bone density loss.Foods such as milk and milk products like cheese and yoghurt, as well as non-dairy alternatives such as leafy greens, nuts, and certain fish like salmon and sardines, are excellent dietary sources of calcium. For more information about the importance of a calcium-rich diet, check out the Calcium and Bone Health Fact Sheet by Healthy Bones Australia.
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Fill Up On Fibre
As you age, it becomes increasingly important to include fibre-rich foods in your diet. This is because ageing causes your digestive system to slow down, making older individuals more at risk of constipation and other digestive issues. Fortunately, when consumed regularly, fibre can help improve and maintain digestion by preventing constipation. This is because fibre aids in promoting regular bowel movements by adding to the size and weight of your stools, making them easier to pass. For the above reason, it is important that as you age, you try and incorporate foods high in fibre into your diet, such as:
- Wholegrains – oats, wholemeal bread, brown rice, and quinoa
- Fruits – berries, avocados, pears, apples, and bananas
- Vegetables – broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, and brussel sprouts
- Legumes – lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans
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Limit Salt Intake
Salt exists naturally in various foods we already consume, including seafood, meat, and dairy products. However, a significant portion of the salt in the typical Australian diet originates from salt added to packaged and processed foods, as well as salt introduced during home cooking. As you age, it is important to reduce your intake of salt. This is because too much salt in the diet can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney complications, and heart disease — conditions particularly prevalent in older individuals. Reducing the amount of salt in one’s diet as you age can be done by limiting the intake of highly salty foods and opting for reduced salt varieties when shopping.
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Swap Saturated Fats for Monosaturated & Polyunsaturated Fats
Saturated fats, commonly found in animal products like meat and dairy, have long been associated with elevated LDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which are a prevalent concern for seniors. On the other hand, monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats, prevalent in foods such as olive oil, nuts, avocados, and fatty fish, have demonstrated the ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL). This, in turn, reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Check out Dietitians Australia’s Facts about Fats for more information.
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Feed Your Muscles
As individuals age, we naturally experience muscle loss — sarcopenia. As such, protein is vital for older individuals as it aids in the repair and preservation of muscle mass. This helps them maintain strength and mobility, reducing the risk of falls and fractures, which are common concerns among older adults. To maintain muscle mass and strength as you age, it is essential to consume an appropriate amount of protein by consuming foods high in complete protein. High-quality protein foods include lean meats, fatty fish, seafood, and vegetarian alternatives such as legumes and soy-based products like tofu.
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Reduce Sugar Consumption
Reducing sugar intake is crucial for individuals of any age, but is particularly important for seniors. This is because it helps manage and minimise the risk of developing conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. As we age, our bodies become less sensitive to insulin, making it harder to regulate blood sugar levels, leaving higher sugar levels in the bloodstream for longer. Managing sugar intake helps to stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications. Whilst sugar exists naturally in fruits such as bananas, grapes, and apples, much of the sugar we consume today comes from packaged and processed foods. As you age, it is recommended to cut back on high-sugar foods such as soft drinks, candy, and snack bars, instead opting for low-sugar alternatives.
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Stay Hydrated
As we grow older, our body’s ability to conserve water decreases and our sense of thirst becomes less obvious. Decreased water consumption as a result of this can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, which can exacerbate age-related health issues such as UTI’s, kidney problems, and constipation. Proper hydration also plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive function, digestion, and regulating body temperature, all of which are common concerns among individuals as they age. The Australian Dietary Guidelines advise that women over 50 aim for a daily water intake of 2.1 litres, while men over 50 should aim for 2.6 litres.
Key Points to Remember
To simplify things, we’ve gathered a brief summary of the most crucial insights from the information above. Explore below!
- Avoid pre-packaged and processed foods and prioritise whole foods.
- Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods to help support your bone health.
- Incorporate foods high in fibre into your diet to help improve digestion.
- Reduce the consumption of highly salty foods in your diet.
- Swap saturated fats for healthy fats, e.g. extra virgin olive oil instead of butter.
- It is important to maintain muscle mass as we age by consuming high-quality protein foods.
- Reducing your daily sugar intake helps minimise the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
- Maintain proper hydration to reduce risk of dehydration and help maintain cognitive function.
Please note that the information on this page is to provide general guidance and should not be substituted for personalised advice from a qualified health professional. Always consult with a healthcare expert to address your specific health concerns and needs.
