Download How to eat well when you`re older.

Are you losing
your appetite
or too much weight?
Losing weight isn’t a consequence of growing
old so it’s important not to dismiss the signs.
Sometimes we don’t notice that we’re
eating less and maybe losing weight,
so it’s important to be aware of the signs
These signs could include:
• Shirt/dress collars
are looser
• Rings are looser
• Dentures
don’t fit
• Belts and
waistbands
are looser
• Slippers and
shoes are loose
If you are losing weight unintentionally
(for example more than 3kg (6.5lbs) within
3 months) or just need some support you
can contact your GP or practice nurse.
Useful resources
to help you eat well.
Need help with shopping
or eating out?
Leeds Directory is a good resource that makes
it easy to find reliable, flexible services in your
area including getting help with shopping
and eating out. Their helpline is 0113 391 8333
or visit www.leedsdirectory.org
Shopmobility is a scheme that provides mobility
equipment to help people get around when
shopping. They have outlets in The Merrion
(Simplyhealth 0800 048 2795) and The White
Rose (Ross Care 0113 277 8858) shopping centres.
Need assistance with eating?
Adult Social Care can provide help with eating
through an assessment of care needs. You can
ring the contact centre on 0113 222 4401.
Or drop in to a One Stop Centre near you.
Need a ready-made meal?
Community Meals Leeds Service is available
via the Contact centre/One Stop Centres
detailed above and via Community Meals
Leeds directly (0113 247 8577).
County Fayre Dinners 4 U • Call 0113 287 7090
Oakhouse Foods • Call 01756 796 336
Wiltshire Farm Foods • Call free phone
0800 773773.
How to
eat well
when
you’re
older.
Why is it important
to eat well?
The pictures below show a typical
example of a day’s food.
As an older person, eating well and
being a healthy weight is important.
Eating a balanced diet will help you
to stay independent and able to
continue doing all the things you enjoy.
Like visiting friends and family, playing
with grandchildren and going on trips.
Breakfast
What should I eat?
To give you the energy you need
it is important to have a balanced
and varied diet. This means:
• Basing meals on starchy foods
such as potatoes, rice, bread,
cereals and pasta
• Including fruit and vegetables
• Including some meat, fish, eggs
and beans or other non-dairy
sources of protein
• Including some milk and dairy
products
How much should I eat?
As you get older it is important to eat
enough. Aim for 3 meals + 2 snacks
a day. And don’t forget to drink plenty
of fluids.
Wheat
biscuits & milk,
buttered toast
& jam, banana
Snack 1
Pot of
yoghurt
Lunch
Chicken with
potatoes,
carrots
and greens
Slice of cake
Snack 2
Fruit
salad
Dinner
Baked potato
with beans
& cheese
Rice pudding
with banana
Fluids
6-8 glasses
a day
If you don’t like what you see, think
of the alternatives such as:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Cereal • Eggs (scrambled,
omelette, boiled or poached)
Kippers on toast
Pasta salad • Soup
Curry & rice
Spaghetti Bolognaise
The important thing is to eat enough and
regularly - 3 meals + 2 snacks a day.
Suggestions to help
you eat more.
• Eating with others can make meal
times more enjoyable.
• Socialising can help – invite a friend
round, attend a luncheon club
or go out for lunch
• Small meals little & often can help
those who cannot manage three
larger meals
• Trying new recipes
• Variety keeps food interesting
Who can I talk to?
You can speak to your GP, practice nurse
or the services listed on the next page.
You can also visit our website at
www.leeds.nhs.uk/eatwell
Please note that if you have an existing
food-related condition such as diabetes, make
sure that you follow existing advice or guidance.