08/12/2025
As people age, so do their nutritional needs. Metabolism slows, appetite shrinks and certain health conditions can make eating more challenging. It’s easy to slip into unhealthy eating habits without even realizing it. Older adults, especially those living alone, tend to simplify meals to the bare minimum - "tea and toast diet". While that might sound harmless, relying on these kinds of low-nutrient meals day after day leads to a severe lack of essential vitamins, protein and fats. Without enough nutrients, muscle loss accelerates, energy plummets and the immune system weakens, making the body more vulnerable to illness and injury. The "tea and toast diet" isn’t just about food. It’s often a sign of loneliness, fatigue or difficulty cooking. It makes proper nutrition even more challenging.
This is where the care of in-home workers can make a life-changing difference in an elderly adult’s life. A caregiver is often the first to notice the subtle signs of malnutrition and take steps to ensure the people they care for are eating well. Nutrition is a simple and powerful way to help elderly people stay strong, independent and thriving at home.
