Sufficient nutrition is important for all Australians. However, for seniors the foods and drinks that create a healthy diet may be significantly different from when you were younger. Healthy eating doesn’t have to change that much with age, especially if you already have a nutritious diet. You simply need to be aware of your own specific nutrition requirements and adjust
your food choices, to enable your body to receive the nourishing food it deserves to maintain a healthy living.
Luckily there are plenty of useful resources outlining nutritional and healthy diets for all ages. The best place to find this
resource is at the Australian Dietary Guidelines website.
Australian Dietary guidelines:
- Eat a wide variety of foods from the five food groups: plenty of colourful vegetables, legumes/beans; fruit; grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high fibre varieties; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds; milk, yoghurt, cheese or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat.
- Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans: a standard serve is 500–600 kilojoules; for example, 65 grams cooked lean red meats or two large eggs.
- Grain foods: a standard serve is 500 kilojoules; for example, one slice of bread or ½ cup cooked porridge. At least two-thirds of choices should be wholegrain varieties.
- Milk, yoghurt and cheese or alternatives: a standard serve is 500–600 kilojoules; for example, a cup of milk or ¾ cup yoghurt.
The importance of healthy meals when you’re over 65
For seniors, you may find it difficult to get out to purchase groceries, or you may feel as though your appetite has reduced or disappeared. Health issues may also make it difficult to maintain healthy eating or enjoy eating. Try to see every meal and snack as a chance to give your body maximum nutrition (like vitamins, minerals, and fibre) – and as a social activity you can enjoy with others if possible.
If you require help with shopping, meal preparation or finding nutritional meals, make sure to bring up these issues with your care partner or call Trilogy Care 1300 459 190 to help you find a suitable solution.
