For the elderly, the organs in the body are gradually aging every day, especially the digestive system, weak teeth, and reduced chewing power. In addition, the contraction of the stomach gradually decreases, leading to the absorption of nutrients also becomes difficult. Therefore, the issue of foods and drinks should be paid more and more attention to in the care of the elderly. However, low or middle-income families have to consider carefully when planning diets for their grandparents, to both ensure nutrition and suit their financial conditions. Many people try to keep in mind healthy foods for the elderly on a tight budget to apply it on daily meals while those with a better budget are willing to spend a big amount of money on it.

 

Needed Dietary Supplements for The Elderly

Protein

Protein is one of the important nutrients that need to be supplemented for the elderly to contribute to providing energy for daily activities and to help the body strengthen the resistance to fight disease.

 

Vitamin B12

As you age, your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 will decrease, so older people should add this nutrient to their diet.

 

Fiber

Fiber is one of the essential substances for the body to prevent constipation, help the digestive system work healthily, maintain an appropriate weight, and limit the risk of heart disease.

 

Calcium and Vitamin D

Elderly people should add foods rich in Vitamin D and Calcium to their daily diet. These are two essential trace elements, helping to build and maintain the stability of the skeletal system, contributing to the prevention of bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis, arthritis, etc.

 

Meanwhile, the elderly also need to avoid certain substances such as starch, fat, or salt. These are substances that are highly likely to cause dangerous diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or obesity…..

 

9 Healthy Foods for The Elderly

Chicken & Pork

Chicken and pork are very suitable for elderly people who are anorexic because they contain more protein, vitamins, and lipids than red meats like beef. In addition, these meats have a relatively low amount of fat but still provide enough energy for the body of the elderly.

 

The fibrous tissue of pork and chicken is also relatively soft, so it is relatively easy to digest. Regular addition of this meat to the body will bring high efficiency in reducing cough, preventing constipation. Moreover, these foods are also easily processed into many attractive dishes, helping grandparents to enjoy the meals more.

 

Fish

Fish is an important food group that is very healthy for the elderly. Fish often contains great nutrients such as omega-3, precious proteins, etc., so it is especially easy to digest. Additionally, it also has less sulfide than meat and has many important unsaturated fatty acids. The fish can be processed into many dishes to make the menu more diverse.

 

Soybean

Soybean is one of the useful foods for the elderly because they contain abundant minerals, protein, selenium, etc., which help fight oxidation and prevent aging. In addition, it also has the effect of reducing blood sugar, preventing many diseases such as cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction, fatty blood, etc.

 

Low-fat Milk

Low-fat milk helps the elderly to supplement the necessary amount of probiotics for the digestive system and simultaneously add high levels of protein, calcium, iron, which is of benefit in preventing osteoporosis and anemia in the elderly.

 

Sugar-Free Yogurt

Older people are more likely to experience digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation. Sugar-free yogurts will help them to gain probiotics, which are essential for the intestines and stomach and make the absorption of nutrients in food better.

 

Vegetables

Green vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber and are essential food for the elderly. This is also an indispensable option for those who have a tight budget but still want to maintain a healthy diet, contributing to reducing family expenses.

The addition of adequate green vegetables in the diet will help eliminate toxic substances from the body, prevent diseases and reduce the feeling of fullness which is the cause of anorexia in the elderly.

 

Cereals

Cereals are one of the foods rich in nutrients, helping to provide protein, lipids, minerals, vitamins, etc. to help the elderly reduce cholesterol and increase the elasticity of blood vessels. Thereby, the risk of stroke and stroke in the elderly can be reduced effectively.

Cereals can be pureed to be processed into many different dishes for the elderly to use regularly.

 

Mushroom

Mushrooms provide a large amount of fiber, vitamins, do not contain fat, have low sugar and salt ratio, etc. Therefore, they are very suitable for supplementing the nutritional menu of the elderly.

 

Mushrooms can be used to make soup, stew with chicken… in the meals of the elderly who are anorexic.

 

Egg

Eggs are quite popular for most people of all ages. Especially, for the elderly, eating eggs can be beneficial in providing protein, calcium, and iron for the body. With eggs, you can process many dishes from simple to sophisticated such as boiled eggs, eggs cooked with vegetables.

 

Scientific and reasonable nutrition helps the elderly to maintain health and longevity effectively without requiring you to spend too much on it. Hope the information in the article has been able to provide you with needed knowledge about healthy foods for the elderly on a tight budget.