Healthy Snack Ideas for Elderly

It is important to have healthy snacking for seniors to help address ageing health issues. The right snack can improve conditions like diabetes and arthritis, while the wrong snacks can worsen them.

It is much difficult to provide healthy snack for seniors because they face unique diet challenges that can result in malnutrition. They also might face issues like chewing or swallowing. They might lose certain senses like smell, taste, thirst or hunger. They might also experience gastrointestinal issues. Malnutrition will lead to conditions like frailty syndrome, muscle weakness and osteoporosis.

Just like healthy snack ideas for seniors, there are also unhealthy snack choices. These choices will cause your loved one to experience more health issues and to feel more pain. I am listing a few things that you should stay away from.

You should avoid prepackaged snacks because they contain large amount of salt, sugar and synthetic additives.

• Avoid snacks containing high saturated fats and salt as they worsen/lead to heart conditions.
• Sugary desserts and pastries should be avoided  as they worsen/ lead to diabetes.

You can provide some healthy snacks to seniors which they will love and will get the nutrition they need.

Nuts and Seeds

A great alternative to unhealthy crunchy options like chips is nuts and seeds. They will get protein and healthy facts by satisfying that urge to eat something crunchy.

Pre Cut Veggies

You will get all the needed nutrients from the vegetables. Try cutting up broccoli, carrots and cucumbers or purchase grape tomatoes or baby carrots. They are colourful and stimulating to the senses which is important for seniors.

Hard-Boiled Eggs & Deviled Eggs

This is another great source of protein which makes a convenient, satisfying snack.

Green Tea

Green tea have the potential to fight cancer and heart disease, burn fat, lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes, burn fat and stave off dementia.

Yogurt

This provides much needed calcium for bone health and also a convenient easy to eat snack.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is actually considered to be healthy. This is packed with antioxidants which provides serotonin, which makes people feel happy and excited.  

Cheese

Cheese is a filling snack that provides protein and is also an easy snack. This helps lessen frailty syndrome by serving repair cells and tissues and also produce red blood cells that carry oxygen and antibodies that fight disease.

Fresh Fruit

As a result of reduced activity seniors often experience constipation, and they easily become dehydrated because they often lose their sense of thirst. Fruit is a great solution for all these issues as it provides a healthy dose of fiber and contains natural hydrating juices. It is also a natural way to satisfy a sweet tooth plus it provides antioxidants.

Homemade Granola

Mix up some nuts, seeds and oats with real maple syrup and bake. It is delicious and healthy. You can either eat it alone or add some milk or almond milk to create a cereal. But make sure you make it yourself at home because you have a control over what you put in it.

Raisins & Prunes

This provides fiber that assists with constipation and digestion. They are also a chewy treat that helps fight bacteria that leads to gum disease and cavities.

Smoothies

You can try blending Greek yogurt, flaxseed meal, spinach or kale, frozen fruit, chia seeds and water for a nutrient-dense yet delicious treat.This can be ideal for seniors because they don’t have to involve in any chewing and they are an easy way to pack in important nutrients.

You can use this list of healthy snack idea for seniors to make a difference on how healthy they can be and how they feel. You can also create your own healthy snack idea list that you can add to overtime when you determine what works and what doesn't. Now you really don't have to as hard while providing healthy snacks for elderly.