What Do Your Elderly Parents Eat When They’re at Home
Aging is a natural process of the body. Our body systems are expected to function to its maximum number of years. As people grow old, these body systems slowly deteriorate. It cannot be denied that peoples’ lifestyle nowadays is too sedentary. People order fast foods, no longer having to go to the supermarket and buy nutritious foods. Instant foods are also used by busy people who can’t find time to cook their own meal. Instant foods are packed with preservatives which are bad for our kidneys.
Which brings us to the topic of what elderly individuals might be eating when they’re at home. Elderlies staying with their children at home eat the same fast foods and instant foods most probably. It aggravates the condition of their organs that’s why they end up getting sick. Our elderlies need essential vitamins to sustain their body. Getting good nutrition can be challenging nowadays for our elderlies but it is definitely doable if somebody is specifically assigned to take care of their nutrition at home.
There are key nutrients that are needed by elderly individuals especially. We need to make sure that these key nutrients are in their food or in their vitamins.
Key Nutrients for the Elderly
- Vitamin B12
This vitamin is used by the body in making red blood cells. It is also used in maintaining nerve functions. Foods rich in Vitamin B12 are poultry, eggs, meat, milk, and any milk products. You can also talk to your doctor to check if you need Vitamin B12 supplements.
- Folic Acid
Folic Acid is an essential B vitamin that elderlies can get from eating fruits and vegetables. Low supply of folic acid in the body may result in anemia.
- Calcium
Calcium is very important for elderlies because it makes their bones stronger. People should have enough source of calcium in their diet even before they reach older age so that they can have stronger bones to support their body.
- Vitamin D
Exposure to early morning sunshine enhances the production of Vitamin D in the body. This vitamin helps absorb calcium in the body.
- Potassium
This mineral is important in cell functioning. This also helps the body maintain a normal blood pressure and reduce risks for kidney stones. When you think that you don’t get enough potassium in your diet, don’t automatically take potassium supplements, ask your physicians first. An overdosage of potassium is bad for your health.
- Magnesium
Getting the right amount of magnesium can greatly help the immune system. Older people’s body can barely absorb the right amount of magnesium. There are also medications that affect the magnesium level in the body, just like diuretics for example.
If you feel that your elderlies are not getting enough nutrition for recovery at home, you can always call for help.
On Time Home Health Services LLC is a provider of Home Health Services in the DFW Metroplex. We understand the need for making sure that Elderly care in Texas is done with compassion and is cost-effective too. We customize our patient care services because we strongly believe that each and every one of us has different needs.
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