4. YOU ONLY NEED TO EAT
WHAT YOU FEEL LIKE
– “The ageing process can play tricks on our
appetite and as a result, older people might eat
less than their bodies really need. An outright
loss of appetite is not normal, and could be
symptomatic of an underlying health problem.
Try to eat small meals regularly throughout the
day, even if you don’t always feel like it.”
5. YOU SHOULD FOLLOW A
LOW-FAT DIET
“Fat is an important source of calories and some
seniors might need to eat a bit extra to maintain
weight. Fats found in foods such as olive oil,
nuts, seeds, avocado, and oily fish are ideal.”
6. YOU NEED TO EAT MORE
VEGETABLES
“Whilst nutrient-rich vegetables continue to be
essential in your diet, protein foods need to be
at the centre of your plate with the vegetables
surrounding it. Protein keeps our muscles, our
immune system, our body organs and brains
working and renewing minute by minute.”
GETTING ENOUGH OF THE PROTEIN-RICH
FOODS, AS WELL AS A RANGE OF FOODS ACROSS
THE OTHER FOOD GROUPS, IS VERY IMPORTANT
TO MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING
7. ONLY DRINK WATER WHEN
YOU’RE THIRSTY
“If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated
and that’s a problem as neither your body nor
brain can work at peak capacity. Dehydration
can bring on confusion and delirium, hampers
kidney function and worsens a multitude of other
conditions.”
8. SUPPLEMENTS ARE
SUFFICIENT
“Most supplements promoted to help you live
longer, boost memory and fight off dementia
fail to live up to their claim. What’s more, many
interact with common medications or just don’t
work the way they would if you consumed them
from food instead. You could spend a lot of
money for no gain when you could do better by
simply eating correctly.”
9. YOU MUST ALWAYS EAT A
‘PROPER MEAL’
“Eating three full meals a day can be a struggle
if you have a loss of appetite or find cooking too
difficult. Five or six small meals or well-chosen
snacks can be just as beneficial.”
10. MALNUTRITION IS A
NORMAL PART OF THE
AGEING PROCESS
“Malnutrition is not normal and it’s important that
you don’t dismiss the warning signs as being part
of ‘old age’.”
Aloysa Hourigan, Senior Nutritionist and
Accredited Practising Dietitian from Nutrition
Australia says, “Keeping food choices both
nutritious and simple and easy to prepare is the
way to go. Getting enough of the protein-rich
foods, as well as a range of foods across the other
food groups, is very important to maintain your
health and wellbeing as you age. If getting to the
shops and preparing meals is difficult, then think
about either using the prepared meals you can
buy in the supermarket, or some of the nutritious
home-delivered meal options. If you prefer to
prepare your own meals, you can find some
additional nutritious food ideas and healthy eating
tips on Nutrition Australia’s website:
www.nutritionaustralia.org.”
Ngaire says, “This booklet gives seniors and those
who care for them insight into the way nutrition
needs change with age and offers practical, sensible
advice and guidance to help support the physical
and cognitive health of older people.” For more
information visit www.homeinstead.com.au
Home Instead Senior Care is a global network
of locally owned and independently operated
franchises. It was founded in Nebraska in 1994
by Paul and Lori Hogan. It is now a global home
care franchise with offices throughout Europe,
Asia and the Pacific. There are currently over
1,000 offices around the globe. Husband and
wife Martin and Sarah Warner founded Home
Instead Senior Care in Australia in 2004. It now
has a national network of 25 independent offices
in Australia with over 1,600 employees and this
number is growing.
Home Instead Senior Care’s services include
assistance with personal care, light household
duties, meal preparation, medication reminders,
and transport to appointments, shopping
and social outings. The team take personal
responsibility for providing the best in-home
care and support to meet their clients’ needs
and are committed to addressing the individual
and national challenges of Australia’s ageing
population.
Nutrition for Seniors forms part of series
of senior care resources developed by Home
Instead Senior Care, designed to educate and
empower seniors and their families throughout
their ageing journey.
A b o u t H o m e I n s t e a d S e n i o r C a r e
AS YOU AGE
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