Change is always met with resistance. It’s even harder when the things we are tryingto change are the things we have been doing forever.
However,the true challenge is when you are trying tourge someoneelse to change–for their own good.
It’s easier to change oneself. We have the will, the motivation, and drive to make the change happen. Question is, how can we motivate someone elsetochange, especially if that someone is an elderly you love?
Of course, there are ways. If you are entrusted with the task of helpingan elderly change their dietaryplans, here are some tips for you:
The best way to make dietary changes is to ease into it. If you do it right, the elderly won’t even notice a difference. For instance,too much salt might not be good for the elderly;hence, it needs to be eliminated. Begin by reducing the amount of salt in food little by little. Continue the same amount for a week and reduce it some more the next week. Eventually, the beloved elderly wouldbe eating saltless food without even realizing.
One thing many caretakers don’t realize is that elderly people still have their taste buds, and its plain cruel to feed them tasteless and bland food every day. Try to make the food tasty and interesting. Come up with somethingevery day so that the elderly look forward to it.
Just like children, older peoplealsolove eatingjunk food. The salt and sweet flavors are easier for them to taste and enjoy. If the elder in your care is the same, then you cannotexpectto make dietary changes overnight.
Start by replacing onepack of junk food with a fruit or a vegetable. Try to find out the ones they like and would be willing to eat. After a week or two, you can introduce another fruit they like, and bring in two this time. Eventually, you’ll be able to replace more junk food with healthier options.
Always remain preparedwith a healthy option in hand. You and the elderly one can end up in a situation where you only have unhealthy options.
The keyto successful dietary changes is taking it slow.
The elderly shouldn’t feel like their life is being turned upside down in the space of a day. If you do it right, the elderly would even enjoy eating healthy.