Eating healthy is important at any age, but our dietary needs change as we grow older. As we age, our bodies need less food. But our bodies need more of certain kinds of nutrients. So, eating the right foods becomes even more important. 

Later in life, food can also become more difficult to digest. Also, poor health can be a factor. Diabetes, depression and other health problems can impact eating. Some medicines can cause unwanted food-drug interactions as well.

It’s no wonder caregivers find it difficult to help those in their care eat healthy food. You should follow any directions from the person’s doctor, but this tip sheet may also help. Read on to find out ways to overcome common challenges with healthy eating.

What’s the best diet for seniors? That’s a common question. There may be specific issues that apply to certain older adults or those with disabilities. But the same general rules apply. These 5 tips are good to help almost anyone, including seniors or someone with a disability, make healthier food choices:

1. Cut back on foods and drinks that have a lot of added sugar, salt and saturated fats
2. Try to fill half of their plate with fruits and vegetables
3. Cook with healthy oils, like avocado or olive oil, instead of solid fats like butter
4. Use herbs and spices to add flavor to food, because the person in you care might have lost some of their sense of taste and smell
5. Ask the doctor before adding vitamins or dietary supplements to food as some can cause problems with medicines

Here are common eating problems and ways to help overcome them:

Difficulty chewing
Teeth and gums can change with age, making it more difficult to chew some foods. Choose softer foods like ripe pitted fruit, canned tuna, peanut butter on bananas, and low-sodium soup.

Trouble swallowing
Older adults tend to make less saliva. That can make it harder to swallow food and even lead to choking. Tell their doctor if your loved one is having trouble swallowing food

Loss of appetite
Try adding snacks throughout the day. Cheese and whole grain crackers, apple slices with peanut butter, or celery sticks dipped in tuna salad are all healthy options.
Depression can sometimes cause a loss of appetite. Then it’s time to call their doctor.

Difficulty eating
For someone with a disability, physical problems can make it harder to eat. ALS, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke are just a few illnesses that can make eating harder. Look into special forks, spoons, plates and other tools.

Adults age 65 and older are more likely to be hospitalized from foodborne illness. Here are some ways to help lower the risk:

• Wash hands, knives, forks, spoons and plates thoroughly
• Keep cooking and eating surfaces clean
• Separate raw meat, chicken, fish and eggs from ready-to-eat foods
• Cook foods to a temperature high enough to kill germs (different foods need different temperatures)

Eating healthy can be hard on a limited budget. The Food, OTC and Utility Bill Credit is a valuable benefit that’s included with dual health plans from UnitedHealthcare.* This benefit gives our members a flexible monthly credit to spend on healthy food, OTC products and pay utility bills. Members can use their credit to buy fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, dairy products and other healthy food at no cost.

Dual health plans are for people who are dually eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Dual health plans include many extra benefits that can make life easier for low-income individuals. The Food, OTC and Utility Bill Credit is just one example. See all the other benefits dual health plans may offer.

*Benefits and features vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. For details about the exact Food, OTC and Utility Bill Credit included with your 2023 Dual Special Needs Plan, call the number or visit the website printed on the back of your UnitedHealthcare UCard.