Thursday, January 10, 2013

Senior Services Rock Hill: What Is the Best Diet for Your Senior?


Maintaining a proper nutrition plan is important during every phase of life; however, it is essential to note that the needs of the body change as people grow older. For this reason, elderly individuals should pay close attention to the foods that they eat.  The home care professionals at Always Best Care Senior Services of RockHill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that meal planning and preparation is often the responsibility of caretakers. As such, it is important for you to know what kinds of foods your senior needs and which foods they should stay away from.

Of course, each body is unique. The dietary needs of individuals may vary, which is why it is important to consult with your elderly loved one's doctor before making any major changes in their nutritional intake. Despite this, there are some dietary standards that you will want to uphold.

·       Limit consumption of sodium and simple carbohydrates. Sodium often leads to water retention, as well as an increase in blood pressure. Simple carbohydrates, as opposed to complex carbohydrates, are more apt to cause weight gain. Additionally, simple carbohydrates can create a spike in blood sugar—which is particularly dangerous for seniors with diabetes.

·       Increase consumption of calcium and fiber. Fiber is a heart-healthy substance that reduces cholesterol and improves the efficiency of the digestive system. Calcium supports strong bones and protects against osteoporosis.

·       Do not vary caloric intake too drastically. Increasing or decreasing the consumption of calories can cause weight gain or loss and exacerbation or development of health conditions. If necessary, your senior's doctor will recommend a daily caloric intake that supports your elderly loved one's nutritional needs without interfering with their health.

·       Increase consumption of "good fats," including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are found in many delicious foods, such as salmon and avocadoes, and assist in reducing "bad" cholesterol and enhancing heart health.

Maintaining a high quality of life, as well as an active lifestyle, is important for seniors. To do so, they must consume the proper nutrition to keep their bodies and minds as strong as possible. The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com)know that, by following these guidelines, you can help your elderly loved one maintain the diet they need to get the most out of life!

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 
803-329-0079

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