Many older adults can prepare their meals and eat healthy meals without challenges. This helps them stay healthy and strong. However, some seniors face challenges when chewing or have difficulty swallowing liquids or food. This swallowing problem is called dysphagia, and it affects many older adults.
Seniors with dysphagia need specialized medical care due to the possibility of choking and malnutrition. Despite having swallowing challenges, seniors should eat the right foods to stay healthy and enjoy life. Here are some good food choices they can consider.
Fruits
Fruits are suitable for the body because they supply vitamins and fiber. They also help with digestion and make the body strong. Some fruits are soft and sweet, and older people suffering from a swallowing disorder can eat them without much trouble.
Unfortunately, hard or juicy fruits might be difficult to swallow. Therefore, seniors should blend or cook them to make eating easier. Hard-to-chew fruits can also be made into smoothies. Seniors can mix them with milk or yogurt to make healthy drinks.
Vegetables
Healthy meals should include plenty of vegetables, which provide the body with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables also help fight sickness and improve digestion. But can everyone eat all vegetables without choking or feeling pain when swallowing?
Some raw vegetables can be challenging to chew. Therefore, seniors with swallowing difficulties should choose soft ones or cook vegetables to make them easier to chew and swallow. Steamed or mashed vegetables are also much easier to swallow.
In addition, soups made with blended vegetables can be a great option. One may add butter or cream to their veggies to make them smoother and more nutritious.
Grains
Grain keeps the body strong, aids digestion, and gives elders energy and fiber. However, some grains may be difficult to swallow. Soft grains like oatmeal, cooked rice, and peas are good choices because they are easy to chew and swallow. Seniors can also include whole grains and products of whole grains, such as whole wheat bread or whole grain pasta, in their diet.
Can people with dysphagia eat cereals? Older adults should eat soft, moist cereals or soak dry cereals in milk before eating. This makes them easier to swallow and helps prevent choking. Cereals and whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which improve digestion and boost immunity.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are a good choice for older adults who have mild chewing difficulty or painful blockage. These products provide essential nutrients for keeping bones and muscles healthy and are easy to eat and swallow.
However, since some can be hard to swallow, seniors can avoid dairy products that contain large fruit pieces or other components that are hard to chew or swallow. Instead, they should select smooth yogurt or products with rushed fruits or vegetables.
Older adults should eat healthy foods even if they have dysphagia. Without the right food or enough portions, they can become weak, sick, or malnourished. So, seniors should eat a balanced diet to stay strong and physically fit. People with wallowing disorder should eat soft and easy-to-swallow foods to prevent starvation or malnutrition.
Seniors who eat quality foods stay healthy, avoid choking, and enjoy their golden years. Additionally, older people who choose the right foods reduce the chances of developing health complications that require regular hospital visits.