Eating a clean, nutrient-rich diet and maintaining an active lifestyle is important at any age, but even more so for seniors. As we age, the body undergoes a number of changes, from how well it produces and absorbs nutrients to changes in bone and muscle mass as well as appetite. Many people find that after a lifetime of enjoying high protein and starchy meals like meat and potatoes, an elderly loved one is suddenly no longer able or interested in eating the foods they once enjoyed.
If this is the case, don’t be alarmed. There are a number of factors that can lead to changes in an elderly person’s appetite and nutritional needs, including:
Slower metabolism and a decrease in energy, which will require less calories/meals as a result
The body’s decrease in its ability to efficiently process essential vitamins and nutrients, making it necessary to ensure consumption of nutrient-rich foods
Oral health problems like gum disease and tooth loss, which can make it difficult for seniors to eat certain foods
Why a Good Diet Is Essential for Seniors
Adults over the age of 70 are especially dependent on diet to get the nutrients they need — not just to maintain physical strength, but also to help preserve other essential functions such as:
Cognitive function
Bone health and density
Vision
Vascular health
Immune function
A geriatric diet plan designed to meet a senior’s current dietary and health needs can ensure they get the nutrients they require to stay healthy and continue to enjoy and look forward to their meals.
I was looking for in home care services for my mom in the Miami area and found Active Home Care. We started services a couple of months ago and are very satisfied with the staff and caregivers.
Max Rimeris
11/12/2019
My mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays...read moreMy mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays with her until 3:00 pm. My mom loves Anita, she keeps my mom safe and takes her out to socialize on a daily basis.read less
Meyer Waich
7/02/2019
The most professional, helpful and amazing caregivers in South Florida!! Thank you for your service, definitely recommend for your loved ones.
Aimee Garden-Fernandez
12/08/2016
Selecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will...read moreSelecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will be forever grateful.read less
Lloyd Masukawa
6/15/2021
When I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of...read moreWhen I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of caregivers for interviews and I decided on the one I liked the most. I'm using their services 6 hours every day and I'm very happy and relieved now.read less
Camila Roizental
11/12/2019
I hired Active Home Care to provide home care services to my uncle that lives in Miami FL, they have been wonderful and very helpful. The office staff is well trained and helped us navigate our options successfully. 100% recommended!
Jacobo Taurel
11/05/2019
I hired Active Home Care to be with my mom a couple of hours every day and provide personal care assistance and medication reminders while I'm at work. I'm very happy with their services, the office team is compassionate and the staff is highly professional.
Bianca Benatar
9/24/2019
Amazing service. The office is always attentive to our needs and they treat us like family, we are very happy!
Leonardo Rostoker
3/26/2019
My experience has been very positive. The company is responsible and responsive. Their employees are caring and attentive. I would recommend.
Shari Macey
3/18/2021
Best home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery...read moreBest home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery shopping. My quality of life has definitely improved since I hired them.read less
Mina Rozenberg
11/12/2019
Active Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family...read moreActive Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family member in need.read less
Simona Kogan
12/07/2016
Was referred to Active Senior Care by the hospital my mom was staying at so I found them to be trust worthy. Luckily, they were able to find someone who was exactly the kind of person I was looking for to look after her. Great service and would recommend.
Ari
11/04/2020
Everyone involved is exceptionally professional. All of the home health aides did a wonderful job with my mother. We had a crew of (4) caring for my mom. I would highly recommend this company!!!!
Wayne Higgins
12/17/2020
Active Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience...read moreActive Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience working with other agencies. There was no comparison with the outstanding care and concerned that was given by Active Senior Care! I recommend them without hesitation!read less
Thomas Cram
1/22/2021
I was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a...read moreI was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a lot of turnover, until we found active home care. They came to our home before starting services and met my mother in law, after that they allowed us to interview different caregivers until we felt comfortable. We are very happy with the caregiver and the service provided by the company.read less
Lisbeth Fernandez Watson
8/30/2019
My mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this...read moreMy mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this very difficult situation easier. Active Senior Care has great communication and is always there for questions or concerns. They have made what is a hard decision & process, comfortable in a way words cannot accurately express.read less
Evan C
3/09/2021
Everything about the process was professional including follow-up. Every detail was handled and the whole process of having help after an accident was effortless with Active Senior Care.
Bari Schanerman
3/04/2021
Compassionate, loving and caring. More of a second home to elderly , 24/7 care and attention. Doesn’t have to worry about older parent being alone at home.
Aj Pisces
12/22/2021
Beyond Tapioca — Meal and Diet Tips for the Elderly
In addition to physiological changes, the senses of taste and smell also change as we age. So if you find that your loved one once enjoyed the smell of your perfume and the taste of your meatloaf but is suddenly put off by both, don’t take it personally! The key is to adapt and adjust meal plans to meet a senior’s current health needs and personal preferences.
Lifestyle factors, physical fitness, mobility and medication will affect a person’s nutritional needs and appetite. A comprehensive meal plan that incorporates an adequate dose of vegetables, protein, vitamins and minerals and good fats can help keep your loved ones healthy and active. These healthy foods can also potentially prevent the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing meals and shopping for seniors:
Make sure they are getting enough calcium, B12 and vitamin D.
Choose lean proteins from sources like beans, fish, eggs, nuts, chicken and beef. Red meat should be consumed in moderation.
Ensure they are getting enough fiber.
Be certain they are drinking enough water and staying hydrated throughout the day.
Have fun! Experimenting with new recipes is the best way to find meals that they will enjoy and look forward to eating.
Adding more fruit, vegetables and good fats, from foods like nuts and avocados, is a good way to pack in nutrients and accommodate a senior’s appetite.
Let the Experts Help
Active Senior Care provides compassionate and comprehensive senior care services designed to help meet your loved one’s needs, and we offer support and peace of mind for the entire family. Our services are available in Miami and the surrounding areas — including Aventura, Coral Gables, North Miami, Bal Harbour, Cutler Bay and all of South Florida. Contact us today by calling 786-360-3449 to learn more.
Call 786-360-3449 now for a free home visit!
