Healthy Food Shopping for Elders
For information, contact: Nancy Esson, Client Relations and Owner
[email protected]
705-293-5500
Serving size. Calories. Trans fat. Understanding food nutrition labels can be challenging, and many consumers just figure why bother? But for older adults, simply ignoring nutritional information can significantly compromise their health. Elders are encouraged to make better food choices and create a healthy eating style because every bite counts toward a balanced diet. Even small changes in more nutritious meal and snack options add up to long-term health benefits including stronger bones, greater muscle flexibility and increased longevity.
“As we age, we require fewer calories but more of certain nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamins D and B12,” said Nancy Esson, Client Relations and Owner, Georgian Triangle “Many elders encounter difficulties when shopping for and cooking nutrient-rich foods, but dietary obstacles are usually quite manageable with a little coaching and assistance. Staying active and independent as an older adult often starts at the grocery store.”
Esson recommends the following tips for helping the elderly shop for well-balanced foods.
Understand the basics of nutrition. Talk with geriatric health professionals and visit nutrition websites about essential food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy) and healthy eating suggestions for older adults. Encourage elders to pay attention to the key components of food labels: calories, sodium, sugars and fats. Help ensure that elderly fill half a mealtime plate with fruits and vegetables. At least half of grains served at an elder’s meal should be whole grains, and meats should be naturally lean or low in solid fats. Older individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic health conditions are advised to consult with their physician or a dietician on specific foods to include or avoid for healthy eating.
Plan first, buy second. Smart food choices involve planning which ingredients are needed for recipes and knowing their nutritional value, price and availability. Suggest elders make a detailed list of foods and beverages to buy for several days at a time. For older adults who typically cook for one or two, consider which foods can be made in larger quantities but safely stored for additional meals. Snacks and desserts are tempting to purchase, especially when they are on sale, but these items should be occasional buys.
Think accessibility. For getting around the grocery store smoothly, elders may want to rely on an electric shopping cart or ask an employee for assistance with getting items off shelves. If fatigue sets in while shopping, the older adults can rest on a bench within the store. Some grocery carts have built-in seats. Remind elders to shop when they are well-rested and the store is not crowded with other customers. To help eliminate impulse purchases, encourage the elderly to hold off food shopping when they are tired, hungry or feel rushed.
Consider using grocery store apps. To make food shopping easier, a number of cell phone and mobile device supermarket apps are available to create shopping lists, find bargains and scan barcodes. Several apps integrate menu planning, recipes and meal suggestions. Do a little research to make sure the app is user-friendly to match the elder’s technical proficiency.
Arrange for assistance. If grocery shopping with an ageing loved one is not possible, perhaps a friend, neighbor or volunteer from an elder center or place of worship can help. Certain stores offer online ordering and home delivery services. Some stores offer free delivery of groceries for elders, and others charge a nominal fee. Many older adults benefit from professional at-home elder care services like Right at Home, which can provide a helping hand with meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking — helping elders protect their health through regular, proper nutrition.
“Addressing ways to eat well as people age also considers possible dental problems that make chewing a painful chore or diseases such as Parkinson’s or dementia that affect swallowing,” Esson added. “One’s sense of taste and thirst can also lessen with age and lead to a disinterest in food or cause dehydration. These special health needs highlight the importance of encouraging elders to stay engaged with their daily food choices.”
For additional information about nutrition basics and healthy eating for older persons, visit the World Health Organization’s website at www.who.int/nutrition/topics/en/.
About Right at Home Canada
With a unique approach and a higher level of quality of care, Right at Home Canada offers both non-medical and medical care to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained and insured prior to entering a client’s home. Right at Home Canada provides the Right Care, focusing on the Right People doing the Right Things the Right Way for the Right Reason. Right at Home Canada has offices in Burlington, Oakville, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Mississauga, Hamilton, Georgian Triangle, Brampton, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Etobicoke South/West Toronto, Etobicoke North, Barrie and Calgary. For more information on Right at Home Canada, visit About Right at Home Canada at www.rightathomecanada.com or contact your local office at 313 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, Ontario http://www.rightathomecanada.com/georgian-triangle 705-293-5500 or by email at [email protected]
