Often, dairy is seen as good or bad for a person. However, the truth is somewhere in the middle. While consuming large quantities of full fat cheeses and milk products can increase cholesterol levels and body weight, other dairy products offer wonderful benefits. Dairy can provide protein and other vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable component of a balanced diet, especially for seniors who can tolerate dairy products without adverse reactions like lactose intolerance. Here is what you need to know and some good snack options for your elderly loved one, and how senior home care can help.

Dairy Is One of the Best Sources of Calcium

Calcium plays a crucial role in the body by contributing to developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also assists in various other functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and maintaining a normal heart rhythm. This is all so important for a senior to focus on, which is why they should eat certain amounts of dairy. They may need to avoid things like soft cheese or not fully cooked to avoid germs and bacteria, but they go for milk and yogurt if their stomach can handle it.

Your Senior Will Get More Protein When They Can Eat Dairy

Getting enough protein is crucial for a senior because it helps them maintain weight, muscle mass, and much more. Protein is essential for the body as it serves multiple functions. It provides the building blocks for tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, supporting growth, repair, and maintenance of various bodily structures. If you notice your senior lacks energy, it may be because they lack enough protein to fuel their body. Dairy isn’t one of the highest protein sources, but it can assist in adding protein to a senior’s diet. It can also be easy to grab right out of the fridge. Start adding yogurt every morning or for a snack in the afternoon. It is low-calorie and contains enough protein to fill your loved one. A senior home care provider can assist your parent with grocery shopping and preparing protein-rich meals that also include dairy.

Dairy Can Help Prevent Digestive Issues

When your senior loved one is struggling with digestive issues, it can cause them extreme discomfort, which can make it hard to do anything during the day. Digestive systems naturally change with age, making them more likely to have pain after certain foods. It can take longer for them to digest certain foods, which may make them feel heavy and bloated or put pressure on their digestive system. Some dairy, like a bowl of yogurt, may help fight a senior’s discomfort. Even if your loved one is lactose intolerant, some lactose-free dairy products your loved one can enjoy may help settle their digestive issues. They may even enjoy a glass of lactose-free milk.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/nutrition-for-seniors

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Clarksville, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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