A well-balanced diet that provides enough energy and essential nutrients can help reduce the risk of age-related medical conditions, like osteoporosis and heart disease, in seniors, according to the National Institutes of Health. At the same time, medical issues and other concerns often affect the types and amount of food seniors can eat. Diet plans and tips for seniors are found on professional web sites that feature information about nutrition and aging.
Recommendations
Since there are health risks associated with being underweight or overweight, the Weight Control Information Network advises seniors to follow a diet plan that helps them to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases associated with aging. They recommend a diet plan for older adults that includes eating breakfast every day, choosing plenty of high-fiber foods, having three servings of dairy products fortified with vitamin D and drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day.
Features
In addition to information on what to eat and how much to eat, diet plans for seniors may include food shopping, preparation and cooking tips. Seniors with limited incomes often have budget concerns that must be addressed when planning a healthy diet. Tips for planning ahead, buying in bulk, avoiding expensive convenience foods and eating nutritiously on a budget are essential components of a diet plan for seniors. Eating safely is another concern addressed in diet plans for seniors developed by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health's Institute on Aging.
Samples
Information about designing diet plans and samples of diet plans for seniors can be found on the internet on web sites sponsored by organizations such as the National Institute of Aging and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid Plan. On the MyPyramid Plan site, seniors can develop individualized diet plans based on age, sex, weight, height and the amount of physical activity they get each day. This site also provides links to diet plan worksheets and diet assessment tools seniors can use to track what they eat.
Considerations
A variety of concerns that are specific to older adults can affect the amounts and types of foods included in a diet plan for seniors. Medical and dental conditions affect the way a senior is able to chew and digest foods and how well nutrients are absorbed in the body. A fixed income often limits the amount of money a senior can spend on nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Social situations, such as loneliness, and physical limitations can also affect how much and how often a senior eats.
Solutions
The University of Florida Extension suggests meal plans for seniors that are simple, quick and require little to no preparation or cooking. Well planned, nutritious snacks made with dairy products, fruit and whole-grain products can fill in the nutritional gaps in a senior diet plan. Daily socialization is also recommended to encourage appetite and food intake.
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