Nutrition matters in all stages of life, and this is especially true as you age. The nutrients you consume will promote health and longevity as an older adult. Balanced nutrition starts with choices made in the grocery store aisles. However, grocery shopping for seniors can pose unique challenges. Whether you deal with limited mobility or don’t know which foods to stock up on, these tips will make it easier to find what you need for nourishing home-cooked meals.
1. Purchase Canned Fruits and Vegetables
If washing and cooking fresh produce feels like too much effort, opt for canned versions instead. Canned food items often have a negative reputation, but the truth is that canning does not remove the essential nutrients you need. Canned produce can save you time and hassle, providing quick access to a wholesome, ready-to-eat meal. You can heat canned vegetables on a stovetop or in a microwave, while canned fruit requires no heating.
2. Look for Pre-Made Meals
Many grocery stores offer fresh, ready-made meal selections, like salads, grain bowls, or seafood dinners. Stocking up on these nourishing pre-made dishes is a great way to save time and energy. Salads, in particular, can be labor-intensive to make on your own. A pre-mixed salad with its dressing packet is a simple and wholesome option for your next lunch or dinner. You’ll benefit from a hearty, substantial serving of leafy greens and other essential nutrients without doing all the work yourself.
3. Prioritize High-Quality Ingredients
Food labels can be overwhelming, but focusing on a few key ingredients can steer you in the right direction. For example, when it comes to bread, rice, or cereal, look for whole-grain products when available. Whole-grain foods contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals to prevent blood sugar spikes. Choose bread with visible grains or seeds and brown rice or pasta. Generally, “100% whole-grain” items are healthier than refined “white” products.
Fiber is equally important, too. This nutrient improves digestion and slows the release of sugar into your bloodstream. This will help manage—or even prevent—Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions. Aim to boost fiber intake by prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
4. Take Advantage of Delivery Services
If you have trouble with mobility (or just don’t want to shop alone), try out a delivery service. You can order kitchen staples online and have them delivered to your residence. Some grocery stores have their own virtual ordering platforms, or you can utilize apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and InstaCart to send groceries to your doorstep. While this service might be a new idea for older adults, it can take the hassle out of grocery shopping for seniors.
5. Create a Meal Plan Before You Shop
Meal plans make grocery shopping much more efficient. Planning ahead allows you to create a complete grocery list without speculating what you might need or worrying that ingredients will spoil before using them.
Meal planning also helps you stick to a budget and consistent eating schedule. There are no surprises when you know what to cook each day of the week. If you’re new to meal planning, try creating a short menu and test it out. Determine which meals you want to make again. As you become comfortable with the process, you can transition to an entire seven-day meal plan.
6. Add More Fruits to Increase Your Hydration
Hydration is vital to well-being, especially in the summer when temperatures rise. Eating fruit is a simple, delicious way to consume more water without thinking about it. Fruit has a higher water content than other foods, making it an ideal source of hydration. Of course, fruit is not a water replacement but a nutritious and hydrating supplement to your daily water consumption.
Grocery Shopping for Seniors Is Easy at Vineyard Senior Living
At Vineyard Senior Living, we value both wellness and community. For this reason, we offer our residents access to an onsite dining hall. Our dining options are perfect for when you’re not in the mood to cook. As a Vineyard resident, your home kitchen is also fully equipped to store and make all your favorite meals, thus simplifying the process of grocery shopping for seniors. Contact us for more information on our vibrant, health-centered community.