Switching to a plant-based diet may be challenging for aging adults, but the diet can boost their heart, bone, skin, and brain health. Therefore, seniors need to find ways to stay motivated while they cut out animal products and rely on fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and other plant-based foods. Here are some tips to help older adults as they follow a plant-based diet.
Get Educated
It’s less difficult to stick to a diet when seniors know as much about the plan as possible, which includes the best types of foods to eat, the benefits of each food, and the dangers animal-based foods truly possess. There are many books and online tutorials seniors can turn to when they want to educate themselves about plant-based foods. They can also speak with their medical providers to learn about the science and statistics behind the diet. Your elderly loved one should try watching educational films about plant-based diets.
Switching to plant-based foods is not the only way older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Prepare Plant-Based Meals
Making foods accessible can simplify the dieting process for many seniors, which is why you need to go over the weekly menu with your loved one and do the necessary grocery shopping in advance. If plant-based foods are made available, seniors are more likely to eat them instead of going off the diet. You can make meal prep fun by including your parent and other family and friends. Pick a time everyone can commit to during the week, and plan a day of shopping, cooking, and packing up meals for the week. Make sure your loved one has snacks available during the days he or she will be away from home.
Some older adults need help preparing nutritious meals and snacks. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Lincoln seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Remember the Purpose of the Diet
If your loved one started the plant-based diet to lose weight, be environmentally cautious, or lower the risk of an age-related health condition, remind him or her of these things whenever he or she feels like quitting. Remembering why he or she started the diet in the first place could be all the motivation your parent needs to keep going. Seniors are less likely to return to bad eating habits when they remember the negative effects their former lifestyle had on their health and the environment.
Call Ahead When Eating Out
Being on a plant-based diet doesn’t mean seniors have to eat home-cooked meals each day. They can still eat at some local restaurants that offer the appropriate food choices. Your loved one should call restaurants ahead of time to determine what he or she will eat. Calling ahead to gather nutritional facts and menu options gives seniors the ability to relax and enjoy their lunch or dinner outing with family members and friends instead of worrying about breaking their diet.
Eating plant-based foods is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices for older adults. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Lincoln Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.