As the body ages, the digestive system stops functioning as well as it once did. Motility slows, meaning food moves through the intestines more slowly, and constipation and poor absorption of nutrients become commonplace for many. Consuming dietary fiber is one natural way to fight against these problems, and it can be easily added to any ordinary diet with these five foods.
Whole Grains
These are an excellent source of fiber and are often a good choice for seniors because many foods made from whole grains are soft and easy to chew. Oatmeal, which can be easily prepared each morning for breakfast, can be enjoyed with a little milk and a topping of fresh fruit for a delightful mix of antioxidants to make this a well-rounded meal.
Eating nutritious meals is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices older adults can make. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Green Peas
Green peas are very high in fiber, with more than 8 grams of fiber per cup. These vegetables are delicious to eat on their own or can be added to a variety of meals, such as soups, pasta dishes, and casseroles.
Baked Potatoes
As long as the skin is eaten with the potato, a senior can get 3 grams of fiber from even a small potato. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and can be cooked fully in a matter of minutes in the microwave.
Some older adults need help preparing nutritious meals. 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 Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care. Frederick seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable caregivers.
Apples
Fruit offers a great deal of fiber in a deliciously sweet package. When eaten with the skin, an apple provides more than 4 grams of fiber. Apples also come in an array of varieties, from sweet to sour, and they’re great for a morning or afternoon snack.
Raspberries
Seniors can also enjoy a handful of raspberries for a dose of fiber because a cup of this fruit has 8 grams of fiber. Plus, raspberries are known to have powerful antioxidant qualities that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
With so many choices, seniors have an array of food options that will give them plenty of fiber without breaking the bank. Besides addressing chronic constipation, dietary fiber may also reduce cholesterol when it’s eaten regularly. As always, seniors should check with their physicians to find out how much fiber would be best for them.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. Frederick families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. 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 stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (301) 786-5045 today.
