Do you find cooking a chore? Do you avoid going to the grocery store? Have you thought about shopping and cooking assistance? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, those familiar sentiments are some of the reasons older adults don’t eat healthy meals. But the consequences of not eating properly can negatively impact physical and psychological health.
A recent article by the National Aging Information Center cites older adults at nutritional risk tend to have “lessened immunity to disease, confusion and disorientation…and make more visits to physicians, hospitals and emergency rooms.”
Making small positive changes over time can improve your health. Use a calendar to keep track of your changes and celebrate your progress. Add fruits and vegetables to every meal. Think simple finger foods like berries, grapes, nuts, dates and pea pods. Drink more water, even if you do not feel thirsty you need to hydrate. Write down how much you drink and try to keep sipping throughout the day.
If you don’t feel like going to the market, or you are having trouble making your favorite family recipes, then consider in-home assistance to provide help with the shopping and cooking.
“A little help can go a long way to improving someone’s quality of life.” states Alice Iseminger, co-owner of the local Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services. “Having a shopping buddy, or someone to run to the store for you can help you make those changes to improve your eating habits.”
For questions about nutrition programs contact the Office on Aging at 440-326-4800 or your local Seniors Helping Seniors organization, 440-935-3848, for a free consultation about affordable in-home assistance. Learn more about our services at https://seniorcarelorain.com/in-home-senior-care-services/support-for-your-loved-one/