Understanding Diet Plans for Seniors With Health Conditions

95% of adults over 60 have one or more chronic health conditions, and nearly 80% are diagnosed with two or more.

Doctors often recommend diet plans for seniors with health conditions ranging from high blood pressure and cholesterol to diabetes and dementia.

These diets can help reduce the risk of developing new chronic health conditions and manage symptoms of pre-existing ones. This guide explains more about the diets a doctor may recommend for seniors.

The Best Diets for Seniors

As we age, our bodies and brains change, and the nutrients we need to stay healthy change, too. Experts recommend the following general senior nutrition tips to age healthily:

• Eating a variety of foods that are low in added sugars, salt, and saturated fat
• Increasing the intake of lean animal and plant-based proteins
• Consuming more whole fruits and vegetables
• Getting plenty of vitamin B12 through fortified cereals or supplements
• Focusing on proper hydration and limiting sugary beverages

Diet is even more important for seniors with health conditions. Research has found that diet may be especially helpful for seniors with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and more.

Low-Sodium Diets for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in adults over 65. These conditions are also preventable. Doctors often recommend low-sodium diets, such as the DASH diet, to manage the symptoms of these health conditions.

Eating more home-cooked meals is one of the easiest ways to lower salt intake. According to the American Heart Association, 70% of our salt intake comes from packaged, prepared, and restaurant foods.

Low-sodium diets are also low in salty condiments and broth-enriched vegetables and poultry. Pickled, brined, cured, and smoked ingredients should also be limited as they tend to be high in sodium.

A diet for cardiovascular health doesn’t have to be boring. Seniors can still enjoy flavorful herbs, spices, and aromatics. There are often options to limit added salts when dining out or choosing packaged snacks.

Foods that are high in potassium are common staples for low-sodium dieters. Potassium can counteract sodium intake and potentially help lower blood pressure. Some tasty high-potassium ingredients include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kidney beans, oranges, and bananas.

Low-Sugar Diets for Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions prevalent among senior adults. It is estimated that at least one-third of US adults over 65 are diagnosed with this health condition.

Doctors often recommend dietary changes alongside medication and weight loss for diabetes. Often, these diets recommend limiting high-carbohydrate ingredients, which are commonly found in the following:

• Foods high in added sugars, including baked goods, candies, ice cream, and sugary cereals
• Drinks high in added sugars, such as fruit juice, non-diet sodas, and sports drinks
• Foods made with white flour, like white rice, flour tortillas, white bread, and regular pasta
• Starchy vegetables, including white potatoes and corn

High cholesterol and blood pressure can exacerbate some diabetes symptoms. That’s why doctors and dietitians often suggest avoiding unhealthy fats found in fried foods and limiting daily sodium intake.

These are all things seniors with diabetes should not eat. But what are some approved foods for older adults with this health condition? A well-rounded diet for diabetes is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

The MIND Diet for Dementia

Dementia is another common health condition affecting adults over 65. This neurodegenerative disorder affects approximately one-third of adults over 85, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form of dementia.

Research has found that diet may reduce the risk of dementia. The diet with the most scientific evidence backing its effects on dementia is the MIND diet.

MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It combines the DASH diet, which is recommended for people with high blood pressure, and the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while limiting the consumption of red meat, eggs, and foods high in added sugars. It also incorporates healthy fats found in fish and olive oil.

Combined with effective dementia care, this diet may help slow the progression of cognitive decline.

Liquid and Soft Diets

Liquid and soft diets are great for seniors who have trouble swallowing whole foods. Liquid diets require the consumption of liquids clear enough to see through, while soft diets incorporate pureed foods and drinks.

Doctors recommend liquid and soft diets for a variety of reasons. Seniors may need to go on a liquid diet if they are getting ready for or recovering from surgery or if they have certain tests coming up.

Soft diets are beneficial for seniors who are edentate (missing their teeth) or have trouble eating because of a stroke. Seniors undergoing chemotherapy treatments may also prefer a soft diet.

Sometimes, someone may have the opposite problem: they can eat whole foods but struggle to drink thin liquids. In this case, a doctor may recommend a thickened liquid diet to ensure proper hydration.

Discovery Village at Palm Beach Gardens Dining

If your loved one struggles to meet their daily dietary needs, Discovery Village at Palm Beach Gardens is here to help. Our Sensations Dining service takes the stress away from eating as a senior.

The culinary team behind Sensations Dining is professionally trained and ready to cater to residents’ dietary needs. We use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients in our home-cooked meals.

Residents with low mobility will enjoy the benefits of not having to go grocery shopping. We take care of all the cooking and dishwashing so our residents can relax, destress, and focus on improving their health.

Enjoy These Diet Plans for Seniors With Health Conditions

These diet plans for seniors with health conditions are integral to living a healthier, more fulfilled life. They can lower the risk of developing new chronic conditions, manage symptoms, and even slow the progression of existing health disorders.

Are you searching for a senior living community that understands the value of senior nutrition? Discovery Village at Palm Beach Garden specializes in customizing every aspect of our residents’ lives, including their unique dietary needs.

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can tailor our services to your loved one’s unique needs.