Regarding nutrition and seniors, loved ones might often see the tables turned. For instance, they may remember their parents trying to convince them to eat their vegetables only to be the one doing the convincing years later. The fact is, however, that adding more vegetables to seniors’ diets is frequently suggested to improve or maintain their health. That doesn’t mean, however, that all seniors will happily jump on board. The good news is that loved ones don’t have to tackle the issue alone, not with elder care providers on their side.
Understanding the Importance of Vegetables for Seniors
Vegetables are nutrient-dense and full of vital vitamins and minerals that support a range of body processes. This translates to better bone health, increased immunity, and enhanced cognitive performance for seniors. Not only that, but they benefit seniors in other ways as well, including the following:
Digestive Health: Vegetables, which are high in fiber, facilitate digestion and help prevent constipation, which is an issue that many seniors struggle with.
Weight Management: Seniors who need to control their weight without compromising nourishment might benefit greatly from vegetables because they can easily help them feel full and they’re low in calories. Also, elder care can introduce vegetable snack options for seniors to help them choose healthy foods in between meals.
Chronic Illness Prevention: Studies have shown a decreased risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer in people who eat a diet high in vegetables. This may translate into a longer, better life for seniors.
Promoting the Consumption of Vegetables
While some seniors may readily agree to increase their vegetable intake, others might struggle with the idea. This is particularly true if they’ve never focused on adding vegetables to their diets. Some ideas to help them acclimate to the change include the following:
Start Small: Gradually add vegetables to the diet, allowing seniors to get used to their texture and taste. Also, it’s better to start with well-known vegetables.
Focus on Taste: Many seniors have issues with the way vegetables taste. Elder care can encourage them to give vegetables a chance by showing them out to enhance their natural flavors by experimenting with different cooking techniques like grilling, steaming, or roasting. Also, adding spices, cheese, or a little bit of salt can help vegetables look more appetizing.
Blend Vegetables: If seniors are truly reluctant to eat vegetables, it might be necessary for loved ones to blend them into smoothies, soups, or sauces. In this manner, seniors get the rewards without even being aware that they are consuming them. While this is not the preferred way to go about it, it may be needed when their health is in jeopardy.
Use Dressings and Dips: Vegetables can be enhanced by serving them with a favorite dressing or dip. When doing so, however, it’s important to keep an eye on the dips’ calorie count to maintain a balanced diet.
Add Vegetables to Favorite Recipes:
Elder care can give seniors ideas on how to include vegetables in foods they already enjoy. For instance, they can add spinach to scrambled eggs, use more vegetables in spaghetti sauces, or garnish pizzas with an assortment of vegetables.
It takes time to develop a vegetable-eating habit, but seniors can progressively increase the amount of these nutrient-dense foods in their diet with the help of loved ones and elder care. In the end, seniors will benefit and enjoy better health, despite their initial concerns.
Sources: https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-tips-to-help-an-older-adult-eat-more-vegetables
https://www.touchinghearts.com/centralkansas/blog/helping-seniors-get-their-daily-intake-of-vegetable
https://www.discoveryvillages.com/senior-living-blog/the-benefits-of-consuming-vegetables