As we age, nutritional needs can shift. It is important to stay educated and informed on how best to keep our bodies happy and healthy. So what does this mean for someone aged over 65?

Online resource, Better Health Channel, states that it is not uncommon for older people to eat less as they age. However, this does make it difficult to ensure you are getting a variety of nutrients in your diet.

Better Health Channel recommends consuming nutrient dense foods such as legumes, eggs, fruits and vegetables, fish and wholegrain breads and cereals. Choosing nutrient dense over energy dense foods ensures you are fulfilling all of your daily nutrition requirements, no matter how small your serving sizes may be.

Staying properly hydrated is also integral to maintaining a balanced diet. Better Health Channel recommends women drink about eight cups of water a day and men about 10 cups a day.

When considering what to eat or drink, the best question to ask yourself is: will this food fuel my body for the activities I am undertaking today, or this week?

Eating the right foods isn’t just about maintaining a certain weight; consuming a balanced diet is important for your physical, social and mental health. A good diet can improve your health, happiness, and strength, while also warding off diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Everyone has individual needs when it comes to their health and food intake. Speak to your doctor or a nutritionist for advice on which foods you should be consuming.

For assistance with creating a meal plan, shopping for groceries and preparing food get in touch with your local Just Better Care office.