The constituents of a healthy meal evolve as one grows older. A healthy, well-balanced meal plan reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, mental decline, depression, and anxiety. On the other side of sixty, it requires more nutrients and fewer calories. Additionally, seniors need to customize their daily food regime according to their chronic health conditions. With so many factors to remember, one might find it overwhelming to choose the best diet for seniors.

Here are some tips and ideas that can help plan the meals for the elders. However, remember to check with one’s doctor before making any changes, as some treatment courses might require one to avoid certain foods.

A well-rounded meal plan with extra protein
Amy Campbell, a registered dietitian, and diabetes educator, suggests that the best diet plans for seniors should include extra protein as its deficiency puts the elderly at a greater risk of lower immune function and osteoporosis.

The protein does not necessarily have to be animal-based every time, as it becomes harder to chew or swallow with age. Plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, and chickpeas make for good alternatives. Healthy breakfasts can include banana split oatmeal, smoothie with spinach, fruit, yogurt, or a vegetable omelet with whole-grain toast.

Avoid empty calories
Diet for seniors should be low on empty calories such as chips, baked goods, soda, and sugary beverages. These are loaded with calories but have low nutritional value. Instead, nutrient-rich food like different types and colors of fruits and vegetables, seafood, lean meat, and nuts should be included in the meals.

It is advised to cut down on foods high in saturated fat like cakes, pastries, pizzas, processed meats, and fried foods. Swap high-fat foods with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats. Use unsaturated fats from oils, nut butter, and avocado instead of butter, coconut, and palm oil.

Foods and drinks containing added sugars, like sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials, fruit drinks, and sports drinks, should be reduced to a minimum. For occasional cravings, fresh fruit with reduced-fat yogurt or crumbles made with whole-grain options, such as oats, can be good alternatives.

Reduce sodium intake
Cook food using less salt to decrease the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Check intake of high salt foods, like cured meats, for example, ham, corned beef, bacon, and sauces like soy sauce.
To maintain a healthy meal routine after sixty:

Reduce food and drinks containing added salt
Enhance the flavor of food with herbs and spices
include citrus such as lemon juice

Healthy lunches can include chicken, tomato, avocado sandwiches on whole-grain bread, Quinoa with stir-fried vegetables, Apple coleslaw, or Sanchico tuna salad.

Increase fiber intake
Senior citizens face major digestion issues hence diet plans for seniors should include fiber-rich foods. High-fiber foods are generally low in calories and fat but high in vitamins and minerals that help fight heart diseases by lowering cholesterol levels. Add beans, barley, oats, almonds, and walnuts to the meals.

People with diabetes can benefit from fiber-rich food as it controls blood glucose levels by slowing down nutrient breakdown. This helps glucose from the food move into the blood gradually.

Fiber lowers the risk of hemorrhoids, and fiber-rich whole-grain foods prevent constipation. Opt for whole-grain cereal for breakfast or toss dried fruits and nuts into salads. One can also use whole wheat flour in baked goods or add chickpeas or kidney beans to salads, soups, and stews.

Maintain fluid balance
As one grows old, the sense of thirst starts declining, making one more susceptible to dehydration. According to Campbell, fluids like soda and fruit juice are rich in calories; hence people with diabetes should replace them with lemon water or flavored water. The best diets for seniors also include eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Tea, soup, or water-rich fruits like melons, cantaloupe, and vegetables like cucumber, and tomatoes are important additions to maintain optimum fluid intake.

Additionally, some treatment courses make it imperative to keep up the hydration levels, so consult a doctor regarding the fluid requirements before making any changes.

Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and calcium
A healthy diet for seniors must ideally be rich in omega-3 fatty acids to prevent inflammation, slow down the progression of Macular Degeneration (AMD), and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. One should include flaxseed, canola oil, walnuts, and soybeans and consume fish like sardines, tuna, mackerel, or salmon.

Additionally, the best diet for seniors must be rich in calcium to prevent osteoporosis and maintain healthy bones and teeth. So include extra serves of low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Tinned salmon, sardines, leafy greens like spinach, bok choy, and sesame seeds are other good options.

Dinner can include fish with spinach, chicken breast, roasted vegetables, hummus or roasted salmon, zucchini, and sweet potato.

Thus, the best diets for seniors should be customized to include iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. One should consult a nutritionist to include food items that meet the health requirements. It is also important to know that one cannot rely on healthy meals alone. It must be combined with regular exercise and social interactions to stave off loneliness and remain mentally and physically active.