As we grow older, maintaining a healthy and well-rounded diet becomes even more essential. At Trilogy Care, we understand that various factors can influence your ability to maintain good eating habits. In our role of supporting you as our care recipients, we’ve prepared some simple nutrition tips to help you stay healthy.
Dietary guidelines
A great starting point for a healthy diet is following the Australian Dietary Guidelines:
- Enjoy a variety of foods from the five food groups
- Drink plenty of water—aim for eight cups daily
- Limit foods high in saturated fats
- Choose foods with mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
- Reduce foods and drinks with added salt and sugar
- Minimise alcohol intake
- Keep ‘extras’ or ‘sometimes foods’ to a minimum
- Stay physically active
Why a healthy diet matters
Age-related health changes can make it harder to eat or enjoy meals. However, providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre is vital for staying strong and energetic.
More than 65% of adults over 50 are affected by bone health issues like osteoporosis or osteopenia, according to Nutrition Australia. Ensuring adequate calcium intake is especially important to maintain healthy bones.
Other health issues related to diet
Good nutrition can help reduce or manage various health conditions, including those listed below:
- Arthritis: Managing your weight and including fish oil in your diet can help alleviate symptoms
- Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D supports bone health. If sun exposure is limited, foods like milk, sardines, tuna, yoghurt, and cheese can help
- Constipation: Fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, beans, lentils, wholemeal bread, and wholegrain cereals, promote regularity
- Calcium deficiency: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, along with canned salmon, are excellent sources of calcium
- Teeth problems: If chewing is difficult, opt for soft foods like fish, eggs, cheese, and soft fruits
Healthy diet examples
Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, but here are some general recommendations:
- Meat and/or protein: 3 to 4 serves daily
- Vegetables: 5 cups daily
- Fruit: 2 serves daily
- Dairy: 3 to 4 serves daily
- Grains (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes): 3 to 5 serves daily
A daily diet might include:
- Breakfast: Cereal or muesli with milk or yoghurt, eggs on toast, or a smoothie
- Lunch: A sandwich with protein, a salad with protein, or soup with cheese and crackers
- Dinner: Meals such as fish with pasta, stir-fry, soup, wraps, risotto, lamb and potatoes, chicken casserole, or spaghetti
Can Trilogy Care help me improve my diet?
If you’re looking to improve your diet, Trilogy Care can connect you with dietitians and nutritionists, arrange transport for grocery shopping, and provide access to meal services.
For instance, we partner with Cookaborough, which offers meals from over 150 high-quality food provider services across Australia. Their program is designed specifically for Home Care Package recipients, providing a convenient way to enjoy ready-made, nutritious meals.
By partnering with Trilogy Care, you can take simple steps toward better nutrition and healthier living. Connect with us today on 1300 459 190 or visit our website.
