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It’s always important for older people to eat well. With the days getting colder and the nights longer, a good, nutritional meal is even more essential to keep bodies strong and colds at bay. It can even be a way to keep mentally agile. But finding the right balance between delicious food that’s also healthy can be tricky – particularly when appetites aren’t as high as they used to be!
With that in mind, we thought it time for our Radfield Home Care Stamford, Peterborough & Rutland team to share some top meals for the elderly in our community.
There are a number of reasons an older person could find it difficult to get the nutrition they need at winter, from changing taste buds to side effects from medication or increased difficulty leaving the house. Added to that, it’s natural for appetites to decrease as we become less physically active. Whatever the reason for the loss of appetite, it’s nonetheless vital that older people continue to get the levels of nutrition they need.
A diet for the elderly should be rich in food that’s dense in nutrition as well as satisfying and healthy. Some such foods are bananas, oatmeal, eggs and fish. Take a look at our top meals for the elderly for some inspiration!
Pictured: Delicious Warm Oatmeal and Banana Breakfast Food
Bananas are the best kind of superfood when it comes to diets for the elderly. Not only do they promote healthy blood pressure, but they also regulate the heart rate, alleviate anxiety and help with gastrointestinal problems. And then there’s the oatmeal! It’s just packed with nutrients, perfect to kickstart the day.
Pictured: Yummy and Filling Boiled Egg Breakfast Food
Not only are boiled eggs filling and simply yummy, but they also contain a B vitamin called choline. This improves the memory and reduces stress, making them a perfect meal for the elderly.
Pictured: Berries with Greek Yoghurt Breakfast Food
Berries and dark-skinned fruits like blueberries, blackberries, plums and cherries are bursting with antioxidants. Not only that, but Greek yoghurt contains protein, digestion-friendly probiotics and calcium. Oh, and it’s low in sugar. What more could you ask for?
Pictured: Comforting Soup with Bread and Butter Lunch Meal Idea
Whether you’re looking for soft food recipes for the elderly, or you’re simply after something warm and comforting, nothing beats soup! Add cream, olive oil, pureed meats or vegetables to cram it with nutrients. It’s the perfect way to warm a loved one on a cold winter’s day.
Pictured: High in Protein Nuts are a Great Lunch Meal Idea
These may not sound like a cohesive meal, but they’re not meant to be. While it can be tempting to cook a big meal for the elderly, many older people prefer snacking to taking full meals. The options above are just a few that are high in protein and calories, as well as being easy to pick on without requiring cutlery. Sometimes, an easy option is just what your loved one needs!
Pictured: A Christmas Turkey Sandwich Lunch Meal Idea
Remember how easy it is to drop off to sleep after Christmas dinner? Well, turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan which, according to the Cochrane Collaboration, may help the body to counter low mood. There is even a small study that suggests it could reduce anxiety. Although turkey is by no means the only meat that contains tryptophan, a turkey sandwich is a great choice of food for the elderly, especially coming up to Christmas where there are sure to be leftovers!
Pictured: Salmon with Leafy Greens for Dinner
Salmon is just one cold water fish which is high in omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it good for the heart and brain. Pair it with leafy greens like spinach, kale or broccoli to create not only a delicious meal for the elderly, but one that could help to slow cognitive decline according to the American Academy of Neurology.
Pictured: Lean Chicken Breast Broth For Dinner
Lean meats like chicken are great additions to diets for the elderly as they help to lower high blood pressure. Chicken breast is not only the leanest part of a chicken, but also the highest in protein! We suggest cramming your broth with fresh vegetables to get those vitamins in, but aside from anything else, we can’t think of a dish more warming and comforting on a cold winter’s evening.
Pictured: Lentil Bolognese
Everyone has their own traditions when it comes to making a good bolognese sauce. But have you ever tried lentil bolognese? Lentils are one of those nutrient-dense foods we were talking about. They’re a good source of iron, full of fibre, rich in calcium and high in magnesium. With magnesium said to help fix troubled sleep and stress, lentils really are a great food for the elderly.
We understand what it’s like to worry about a loved one’s appetite. Perhaps a change in circumstances has left your loved one without the means to prepare their own food, or a lack of their appetite leaves you worrying about whether your loved one is receiving the nutrients they need.
At Radfield Home Care, we offer a truly personalised service tailored to the needs of each individual. Whether it’s shopping for groceries, cooking a weekly roast, making enough to last the week or providing 3 meals a day, we’re here for them.
We cover the whole of Rutland, Stamford, Peterborough and the surrounding Lincolnshire (Lincs) villages. Get in touch to discuss how we can best support you and your loved one.
James developed keen leadership skills in the military. He motivates and encourages the team to provide outstanding home care.
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