10 Delicious Healthy Snacks for Older Adults in Senior Care

Our loved ones needing senior care also need adequate nutritional care. It’s vital to eat a variety of whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, along with servings of high-quality proteins, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Eliminating, or at least reducing, lunchmeats and other sugary or processed foods is also smart and healthy. They need to absorb vitamins and minerals from quality foods in order to maintain strength and prevent illness.
Sadly, many adults have chronic illnesses. People in senior care often have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiac disease, and cancers. Poor lifestyle habits, like lack of activity and exercise, are connected to chronic illnesses. They need healthy lifestyle options.
Older adults in senior care do best when offered quality snacks in between meals. This helps prevent overeating and healthy snacks stabilize their blood sugar and boost energy levels, too. Offer whole foods to adults in senior care and reduce or eliminate any high-sodium, fatty and sugary foods. It’s easy to keep healthy snacks on hand when you plan ahead.
Here are ten quick snack foods for older adults in senior care:

1. Mini pita bread with black beans
2. Fresh veggies and hummus
3. Crackers and cheese
4. Steel-cut oatmeal with berries
5. Avocado on toast or bagel
6. Greek yogurt (less sugar) with slices of fruit
7. Slices of tomato in seasoned olive oil, sprinkled with feta cheese
8. Roasted almonds or other heart-healthy nuts
9. Kale chips
10. Turkey slices

All adults need to eat mindfully for their good health, but older adults in senior care may need to be reminded. They may forget to drink enough fluids. Since hydration is good for their hearts and brains, it’s worth reminding them. They’ll feel more energized throughout the day, too. Hydrating fruits and vegetables will help, but senior care patients may still need 8 glasses of water per day. Encouraging them to drink more by infusing water with fresh cucumber or citrus slices is a good idea.

Dietary needs of older adults in senior care are sometimes complex. Don’t hesitate to call Home Care Assistance with questions on the best foods for your loved ones needing senior care.