Some people need to have regular snacks to reenergize themselves throughout the day. Other people, such as elderly individuals, need to have regular snacks to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For seniors in particular, it is important they consume healthy foods that provide them with the nutrients.
In fact, elderly adults can benefit from a moderate serving of ice cream. While younger adults don't want to take in too much of the sugar and fat found in ice cream, elders often need both of those to stay healthy. A cup of ice cream is idea for seniors who struggle to eat enough calories, especially dairy fat.
Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. To get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals.
“A small handful of nuts will satisfy cravings and hunger while inducing sleepiness,” Kirkpatrick says. That's because nuts like walnuts and almonds offer natural melatonin, protein, and magnesium. Magnesium, for one, may help reduce insomnia in older adults, according to past research.
The most efficient way to address malnutrition is to prevent it by providing adequate calories and protein to help meet energy needs and inhibit loss of muscle mass. An older adult's diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and foods rich in calcium.
Dairy's also a great source of vitamin D -- it's essential for healthy bones. Many people don't get enough of it, and with age, it gets harder for your body to make vitamin D just by being out in the sunshine. Stick to low-fat or nonfat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Try topping yogurt with sliced nuts or seeds for a burst of protein and healthy fat, along with fresh fruit for natural sweetness and other nutrients. A cup of cottage cheese is another excellent option. Like yogurt, pair it with fresh fruit for some extra nutrients to make a healthy and hearty snack.
Ice cream brings people with dementia to happier, warmer times when the treat was shared with friends and loved ones at special, joyous occa- sions. Ice cream has the power to immediately elicit soothing feelings at the very first taste of a single spoon-full.
