Proper nutrition is vital for seniors with arthritis because it can alleviate symptoms. Therefore, the elderly need to adopt healthy eating habits and stay away from foods that harm their physical health as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing. Below you’ll find some healthy dietary choices for seniors and the benefits each option provides to aging adults with arthritis.
Fatty Fish Diet
Consuming more fish can lower inflammation and boost heart health, especially in seniors who have been diagnosed with arthritis. The best types of fatty fish for seniors living with arthritis include tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Research various fish recipes to prepare for your aging loved one to prevent him or her from becoming bored with the same entrées. When making the meals, ask your parent to help with cooking. The movements can work out the muscles and joints, reducing symptoms related to arthritis.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare meals and perform other daily tasks that are challenging because of arthritis pain and stiffness. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Mediterranean Diet
The foods older adults eat should protect them against weight gain, inflammation, broken bones, and more. The Mediterranean diet recommends healthy meals and snacks, exercise, meal-sharing techniques, and mindfulness, which are things that boost mental and emotional health and prevent stress.
Some of the foods included in this diet are yogurt, olive oil, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and red wine. Before your loved one starts any plan, including the Mediterranean diet, speak with his or her primary care physician to ensure the foods don’t disrupt arthritis treatment and lead to other health complications.
Vegetarian Diet
Giving up meat can benefit bone health and prevent symptoms associated with arthritis from worsening. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can fight against arthritis pain and ease inflammation. Some meats and dairy products cause inflammation, and they can trigger flare-ups in older adults with arthritis, which is why plant-based diets are beneficial.
When choosing a vegetarian meal plan, your loved one needs to make sure he or she consumes adequate amounts of fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can relieve arthritis symptoms naturally. However, the diet should limit or remove sugary items altogether, including sweet treats and bread.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fremont families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Liquid Diet
Some seniors experience swallowing and chewing problems, which can make it difficult to eat well-balanced meals and could lead to malnutrition and cause arthritis to worsen. To manage eating challenges, your loved one should consider going on a liquid diet until his or her eating abilities get better.
A good diet plan will include green tea, low-fat milk, fresh juices, and smoothies made with pureed fruits and vegetables. These items contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that reduce inflammation. For instance, adding coconut milk to a strawberry, kale, and banana smoothie provides the body with probiotics and antioxidants that can alleviate joint pain.Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Fremont seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.
