Older Adult Health: 10 Tips for Choosing Nutritious Foods and Drinks

Making healthy food choices is a smart thing to do—no matter how old you are! Your body changes through your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Food provides nutrients you need as you age. Use these tips to choose foods for better health at each stage of life.

1. Drink plenty of liquids 

With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often. Low-fat or fat-free milk or 100% juice also helps you stay hydrated. Limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt. Learn which liquids are better choices.

2. Make eating a social event

Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. Invite a friend to join you or take part in a potluck at least twice a week. A senior center or place of worship may offer meals that are shared with others. There are many ways to make mealtimes pleasing.

3. Plan healthy meals

Find trusted nutrition information and get advice on what to eat, how much to eat, and which foods to choose. Find sensible, flexible ways to choose and prepare tasty meals so you can eat the foods you need.

4. Know how much to eat

Learn to recognize how much to eat so you can control portion size. One restaurant dish might be enough for two meals or more.

5. Vary your vegetables

Include a variety of different colored vegetables to brighten your plate. Most vegetables are a low-calorie source of nutrients. Vegetables are also a good source of fiber.

6. Eat for your teeth and gums

Many people find that their teeth and gums change as they age. People with dental problems sometimes find it hard to chew fruits, vegetables, or meats. Don’t miss out on the needed nutrients! Eating softer foods can help. Try cooked or canned foods like unsweetened fruit, low-sodium soups, or canned tuna.

7. Use herbs and spices 

Foods may seem to lose their flavor as you age. If your favorite dishes taste different, it may not be the cook. Maybe your sense of smell, sense of taste, or both has changed. Medicines may also change how foods taste. Add flavor to your meals with herbs and spices.

8. Keep food safe

Don’t take a chance with your health. A food-related illness can be life-threatening for an older person. Throw out food that might not be safe. Avoid certain foods that are always risky for an older person, such as unpasteurized dairy foods. Other foods can be harmful to you when they are raw or undercooked, such as eggs, sprouts, fish, shellfish, meat, or poultry.

9. Read the Nutrition Facts label

Make the right choices when buying food. Pay attention to important nutrients to know as well as calories, fats, sodium, and the rest of the Nutrition Facts label. Ask your doctor if there are ingredients and nutrients you might need to limit or to increase.

10. Ask your doctor about vitamins or supplements

Food is the best way to get the nutrients you need. Vitamins or other pills or powders with herbs and minerals are called dietary supplements. Your doctor will know if you need them. More may not be better, and some can interfere with your medicines or affect your medical conditions.

To ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need from fruits, vegetables, and herbs, take Life Enzyme from Orgaanics. This way, you will never be short on nutrients again, which is incredibly important as you age.