What are the best meals for seniors?

Today I made a comment at a luncheon that it was nice to be able to get out and eat in a restaurant after cooking for myself during the pandemic, although I like to cook. I didn't mention my health needs. The man sitting next to me said his wife quit cooking when he retired. Evidently people don't appreciate all the good they do for themselves when they plan well and cook nutritious meals for their health. I watched a friend cook even though she was in a wheelchair and know that I want to take good care of myself for the good that it does during my declining years. I would not consider eating out of cans and boxes and ordering take out or fast food all the time. Sometimes it becomes a matter of self respect to do the best you can for your well being. I want my last years to be good ones, if possible.
Dorisena

Hi @contentandwell, do you eat animal products? Animal proteins contain B12, therefore vegans are those most at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Fortified breakfast cereals can also be a food source.

@mercuryrose and @dorisena I prefer cooking most of the time so I can control what I have. My husband has gotten very used to eating low sodium even though that is not a need for him. We do get take-out occasionally, sometimes I just need a break from cooking every day.

A few years ago we went to Hawaii with my son and his wife. When he suggested we stay in a VRBO I was disappointed initially because eating out is fun but then I realized what an advantage it is to be able to prepare our own food. Now I prefer staying in VRBOs.
JK

Hi @danlewis - The 2020-2025 US Dietary Guidelines call out these items of consideration specially for older adults: Vitamin B12, protein, and hydration. In general, (throughout the lifespan) Americans are also known to have lower-than-recommended intake of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and dietary fiber. These would be the key nutrients I'd have you focus on. Of course, as Colleen mentioned, your specific health conditions play the largest role.

Here's an article about preventing poor nutrition with age: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/senior-health/art-20044699

Is there any specific meal you'd like to see some easy recipes for?

Hello, Tara @taraschmidt. Thank you for coming in to this very important discussion. I had a consult with a nutritionist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 2019 following an endometrial cancer diagnosis. (Cancer was treated with surgery, no other treatments needed and I'm followed for surveillance at Mayo Clinic every 6 months). It's two years later and I continue to follow her advice and pull out the materials she offered me. I also have osteoporosis so I also follow much of what @contentandwell mentioned.

My father lived into his 90's with serious health problems until the last few years of his life. I should be so fortunate but I do have his genes.

What is a VRBO please? Thank you!

@taraschmidt B12 is a vitamin I haven't given any thought to. I guess I need to figure how much I should be getting and what I get it from.

This getting old stuff is a lot of work!
JK

Hello @danlewis, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for starting such a great discussion for us seniors. A few years ago I started changing my eating habits to eat healthier, lose some weight and hopefully help with a couple of my autoimmune conditions. The National Council on Aging put out this information earlier this year that is a good start.

Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors: https://www.ncoa.org/article/healthy-eating-tips-for-seniors

I think part of your question of what not to eat may depend on certain health conditions if you have them. I try to stay away from all fast foods and limit my snacking as well as most processed foods. I think @avmcbellar and other members may also have some suggestions to share with you. @hopeful33250 started another discussion on breakfast that you might want to join also - Start Your Day Right: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/start-your-day-right-1/

Do you mind sharing what prompted you to start looking for what to eat or not eat for better health?