Healthy drinks have been in the spotlight recently, with good reason. They’re especially helpful for seniors who often struggle to hydrate and eat right. Because they’re so easy to prepare and consume, nutritional drinks for elderly adults are a great way to improve your loved one’s diet.
Healthy beverages are a great way to keep seniors healthy and happy at the same time. With an understanding of their preferences and a little advice from their doctor, it’s easy to pick a few drinks that are right for them.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Water
It seems obvious, but the benefits of drinking water are well-known and therefore worth a mention. Seniors are prone to dehydration, so making hydration easier is one of the simplest ways to keep your loved one healthy.
Start by removing physical barriers. Your loved one may struggle to get to the faucet, lift a cup or swallow the water, so keep a bottle with a built-in straw near them at all times. Sportswear brands design bottles that help athletes hydrate on the go, and those same features also benefit seniors who struggle with coordination.
Next, make drinking water pleasant. Consider adding a lemon, orange or cucumber slice for a little flavor. Ensure their water is a comfortable temperature; older adults with sensitive teeth may find water that is too hot or cold painful to drink.
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Healthy eating for seniors can be a challenge; while their appetite may decrease with age, nutritional needs remain the same or even increase. This makes it especially important to eat fruits and veggies—so why not drink them? Fruit and vegetable juices are easy to find, and they’re full of vitamins and nutrients. Some, like high-pulp orange juice, are even high in fiber. Enriched juices are full of the vitamins and minerals seniors need.
However, be careful with juice, especially if your loved one has diabetes or heart disease. Fruit juice is naturally sweet, and many blends have added sugar, while vegetable juice is often high in sodium. Make sure to read the ingredients carefully and serve juice in moderation.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is one of the best nutritional drinks for elderly adults. Refreshing and smooth, its mild taste makes it very easy to drink. It’s also full of electrolytes that improve hydration, especially potassium.
Still, it’s not perfect for all seniors. If your loved one has kidney issues, the high levels of potassium may not work for their nutritional needs. Most brands also include a little added sugar.
Coconut water is shelf-stable, but it expires quickly once opened. It’s best to buy single servings and toss any leftovers.
Tea
It’s not just about calm and clarity: Tea really does offer health benefits.
Traditional teas like black, green and oolong are all high in antioxidants. They have a little caffeine, so they’re a good way to wean seniors off coffee. But if your loved one needs to avoid caffeine entirely, look for decaffeinated versions of their favorites.
Herbal teas can have a variety of benefits, depending on their ingredients. Chamomile is known to reduce stress and to aid sleep, while peppermint can help with headaches and clogged sinuses. Ginger can reduce blood pressure, but it’s best to avoid it if your loved one takes blood thinners.
Many grocery stores sell bottled iced tea. It’s delicious and refreshing, but some brands are heavily sweetened. Make sure to check the label before buying.
Shakes and Smoothies
Shakes and smoothies are fantastic nutritional drinks for elderly adults. A well-balanced smoothie or shake can make a fully drinkable meal, so they’re perfect for seniors who struggle to eat solid food.
You can put nearly anything in a smoothie or shake, so it’s simple to whip up a delicious treat that matches all your loved one’s dietary needs. Start with ice and some of their favorite fruits. For fiber, add some oats, chia seeds, flax seeds or greens. For protein, include nuts or nut butter, protein powder, yogurt or silken tofu. You can even add a few supplements like omega-3s or calcium.
Fruit and fruit juices are naturally sweet, so be mindful about the sugar content when making a smoothie or shake for your loved one. Stevia is a safe option, though some people don’t like its aftertaste. Sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol raise blood sugar less than sucrose does, so they’re good alternatives.
You can also buy packaged shakes formulated for specific dietary needs, but make sure to check the labels carefully. Many bottled shakes have hidden sugars—even those labeled “diabetic-friendly.” They may also have unexpected ingredients, so keep watch for anything that may interact with your loved one’s medications.
Mocktails
Mocktails have become popular over the last few years. Creative mixologists everywhere have been building recipes with all the fun and complexity of a cocktail—and none of the alcohol. They give seniors the chance to drink something that feels special and festive without risking their health.
In fact, many popular mocktails are built around the same healthy ingredients we’ve talked about here. With a good recipe, you can make a uniquely delicious and healthy drink just for your loved one.
Here’s one of our favorites:
Cranberry Spritz
INGREDIENTS (mix together and enjoy!):
- 1.5 oz. cranberry juice
- .5 oz. simple syrup (sub tea if the juice is already sweetened)
- 2 oz. sparkling white tea
- Edible glitter (optional)
Caregivers Can Make Nutritional Drinks for Elderly Adults
Healthy drinks are a great addition to your loved one’s diet. In moderation and with the guidance of their doctor, these delicious drinks can help them get the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need.
If you know a senior who needs help eating right, a professional caregiver can make it easier. Through companion care, caregivers can prepare healthy meals and drinks that meet your loved one’s specific dietary needs.
Want to see how senior care can make healthy eating easy for seniors? FirstLight Home Care knows how to build budget-friendly senior meal plans that meet your loved one’s needs and taste great. Contact us to learn more!