Deakin University HSN702: Healthy Eating Guide for Elderly Loved Ones

This assignment provides a guide on encouraging healthy eating habits among the elderly, addressing the nutritional challenges they face due to decreased appetite, altered taste, and potential difficulty in chewing and swallowing. It emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate foods to support bone health and cardiovascular well-being, recommending brightly colored, soft fruits, homemade salads with steamed vegetables, and lean protein sources like steamed chicken and fish. The guide advises against sugary beverages, processed foods, red meats, and caffeinated drinks, promoting water consumption. This resource aims to help caregivers and family members make informed food choices to improve the health and quality of life for their elderly loved ones.

FOOD FOR LOVED ONES –
ncouraging healthy eating across
the elderly!
We understand just how much you care for
your loved ones and miss them enjoying
their favorite foods in the comfort of their
home. While it is completely okay to help
your near and dear ones in eating their
favorites treats - did you know that the
elderly are at a greater risk of suffering
from bone diseases and disorders of the
heart? However, rest assured that you can
actually help your family member to live a
life which is healthy and free from disease.
The foods which you select and bring to
our institute is actually a great start!
What happens when you
grow old?
•You lose your appetite and might feel
full sooner than usual.
•You may not get the same taste and
smell from your favorite foods as before.
•You’re likely to find it difficult to chew
and swallow certain foods.
•You may lose weight easily and your GP
may advise you take care of your bones
and increase your consumption of dairy.
•Your GP is likely to advise you take care
of your heart and eat fresh foods which
do not have much oil, sugar and salt.
•Eating red meat and packaged and
processed foods like sugary biscuits,
chips, juices, sauces and mayo might
increase your blood pressure and your
risk of diabetes and heart diseases.
What foods to encourage?
•Brightly colored and soft, boiled or stewed fruits
like apples, bananas, kiwi, strawberries cooked
without or in little sugar.
•Homemade salads with steamed and colorful
green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli and nuts
and seeds with dressings made of lime and olive
oil.
•Sandwiches made with lightly toasted whole grain
bread with cottage cheese or low fat dairy and
yoghurt.
•Steamed and skinless chicken, sardine, salmon,
trout and boiled eggs.
•Encourage your loved ones to drink plenty of
water
Foods to avoid
•Sugary beverages, sodas, biscuits, salted
crackers, pastries.
•Hard toasts and biscuits, minimally cooked
vegetables, nuts and seeds
•Packaged and caffeinated beverages like juices,
coffee, tea and colas.
•Red meats like beef and pork or cured meats like
sausages and salamis.