What meal is best for an elderly person?

(World Nutrition Day – May 28)

A balanced diet is essential... even at 80

As we age, metabolism slows and nutritional needs change. It's crucial to maintain a diet rich in protein (to preserve muscle mass), calcium (for bones), fiber (for digestion), and vitamins D, B12 and C. Meals should include cooked or raw vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein sources like fish, eggs or legumes, and dairy or fortified products. All of this spread across three regular meals a day helps prevent deficiencies and maintain energy levels.

But let’s be honest, it’s not always that simple. Once routine sets in or appetite fades, meals can become repetitive or skipped altogether. Who hasn’t seen grandma say she’s not hungry, then nibble on dry cookies all afternoon? Mmm… it happens. We eat less, cook less, and forget to vary. But a balanced meal can be as simple as a warm homemade soup with bread, a plain yogurt, and some fruit compote. It’s not gourmet cuisine, but it’s nourishing, comforting, and gets the appetite going again.

When eating becomes a challenge: adjust meals carefully

Elderly people often face difficulties chewing (due to missing teeth or dentures) or digesting (because of reduced stomach secretions). That’s why soft foods, steamed or stewed, are best, while dry or hard foods should be avoided. Modified textures like minced, mashed or pureed foods can help, as long as they’re still flavorful enough to stimulate appetite.

Because eating should never feel like a burden. Yet for many seniors, it can become just that. A juicy steak once loved might now feel impossible. Even a crisp apple can become intimidating. That’s when smooth soups, warm oatmeal, or creamy vegetable pâtés start to shine again. Mmm... gentle, easy to swallow, and comforting. What matters most is that it goes down well... and makes them want to eat again.

Boosting appetite without pressure: a few simple tips

With age, hunger signals may fade due to medications, isolation, or even loss of smell. Still, appetite can be awakened with simple gestures: bright colors on the plate, mild spices, shared meals, and a warm, familiar environment. Even the smell of food cooking can make a difference. Soup simmering or biscuits baking, and suddenly the stomach wakes up.

It’s amazing how a smell can bring back memories. The scent of roasted chicken, cinnamon in oatmeal, or toast in the morning... and mmm, hunger returns. No need to make it fancy. Just a nice plate, a well-set table, maybe soft music in the background. It won’t fix everything, but it invites people to sit, eat... and maybe linger a little longer.

Tracking early signs of undernutrition with a tech assist

In care facilities, weight tracking is a key indicator. Even a small drop can be the first sign of undernutrition. With the AirMED™ platform, caregivers can monitor residents' weight in real time and respond quickly. This ongoing tracking helps adjust portions, personalize menus, and avoid serious complications like muscle loss or hospitalization.

At home, the risks are also real. Who notices if grandma lost two kilos? Not always the family. And if she doesn’t mention it, or downplays it? Mmm… that’s where something like AirMED™ becomes a discreet but powerful ally. It watches quietly, supports autonomy, and helps catch those little signs before they turn into big problems.

Fatigue, falls, deficiencies: signs to monitor daily

Poor nutrition can cause drops in blood pressure, weakness, or deep fatigue. Devices like the SmartSAFE HEALTH Watch™ can monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate directly from the wrist. It’s a simple way to quickly detect if something’s off and act before things escalate.

And think about it... how many times do we say “he looks tired, but that’s probably normal”? Then one day, there’s a fall. A single fall might be linked to low energy or a dizzy spell. This kind of watch isn’t just a gadget. It’s a safety net. A modern, reassuring way to look after yourself, without feeling like you’ve lost your freedom. Mmm… because whether you're 70 or 90, you still deserve to feel in control, while having a little help if things take a turn.