Eat Well, Age Well: The Role of Nutrition in Aging at Home
If your goal is to age in place, what you eat can play an important role in helping you stay strong, healthy and independent at home.
Good nutrition supports muscle strength, bone health, energy and overall wellness. But healthy eating for older adults isn’t always as simple as following the same diet you did at 40 or 50. Appetites, nutritional needs, medications and health conditions can change with age, making it important to pay attention to what’s on your plate.
FOCUS ON FOODS THAT WORK HARDER FOR YOU
A healthy diet for older adults generally includes nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Protein becomes especially important because maintaining muscle can support strength, balance and mobility — all important parts of staying independent at home.
Michelle Pandolfi, Executive Director of Thrive at Home, a Continuing Care at Home program based in Hamden and Simsbury, Connecticut, encourages older adults to think about nutrition as part of their overall plan for aging well.
“Good nutrition supports so many of the things people want as they age, including strength, energy, mobility and independence,” Pandolfi said. “When you’re planning to remain at home, paying attention to nutrition is another way to invest in your ability to keep doing the things that matter to you.”
MAKE HEALTHY EATING EASIER
Planning meals ahead, keeping nutritious staples on hand and preparing extra portions to freeze can simplify healthy eating at home. If grocery shopping or cooking becomes more difficult, consider grocery delivery, prepared meal services or help from family, friends or local programs.
And don’t forget hydration. Thirst can become less noticeable with age, so making a conscious effort to drink fluids throughout the day is important.
PLAN FOR CHANGING NEEDS
Like many aspects of aging in place, nutrition needs can change over time. Tammy Huffman of AgeSmart with LifeSpire, a Continuing Care at Home membership program operated by LifeSpire, says having support available can help older adults adapt.
“Aging well at home is about looking at the whole picture, and nutrition is an important piece of that,” Huffman said. “Having a plan and people you can turn to as your needs change can help you continue living at home with greater confidence.”
That’s where a Continuing Care at Home (CCaH) program can help. CCaH programs are designed to support older adults who want to remain independent and age at home, connecting members with resources, guidance and care as their needs evolve.
Eating well today is one part of preparing for tomorrow. Exploring Continuing Care at Home programs near you can help you create a broader plan for staying healthy, supported and at home for years to come.