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Eating Well as We Age
Many older people have trouble eating well. Some seniors may have trouble chewing or have special digestive conditions such as too much gas. If so, you may have some difficulty eating the foods recommended, such as certain meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. I can help you find the right diet that includes acceptable substitutes such as fruit juices, soft canned fruits, ground meat, yogurts and cheese and softer vegetables.
Cooking for Yourself
Many senior citizens may have problems standing or sometimes even holding cooking utensils. With many of our later generations choosing to live on their own, these easy to follow tips can help our loved ones maintain their independence and lead their own lives.
- Use a microwave oven to cook frozen foods, and prepared foods from grocery stores as well as heating leftovers
- Take part in group meal programs offered through senior citizen programs or have meals brought to your home
- Ask your church or synagogue for volunteer help or sign up for help with a local volunteer center
- Ask a family member or neighbor to shop for you or hire a home health worker for a few hours a week that can shop for you, among other things. Look for these companies in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Home Health Services."
- Ask the local food store to bring groceries to your home. Some stores deliver free while others may charge a nominal fee
- To find out about senior citizen group meals and home-delivered meals, call 1-(800) 677-1116. These meals cost little or no money.
Cost Effective Tips for Eating Right
As many senior citizens find themselves on a fixed income, eating healthy does not have to cost a fortune. I suggest following these simple tips to ensure a proper diet that doesn’t break the bank:
- Buy low-cost foods, like dried beans and peas, rice and pasta, or buy foods that contain these items, like split pea soup and canned beans and rice
- Use coupons for money off on foods you like
- Buy foods on sale or buy store-brand foods. They often cost less and taste the same
- Find out if your local church or synagogue offers free or low-cost meals
- Take part in-group meal programs offered through local senior citizen programs. Or, have meals brought to your home
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