Ice cream with granola & a drizzle of Hershey syrup is best for breakfast. And snacks. And if you can't sleep. (Just teasing, but once in awhile, for a very tough day it can help smooth over the edges).
I don't know if this is the case here, but my mom has hemochromatosis and myelodysplastic anemia, both responsible for iron overload. If this is the case, sushi and raw shellfish should be avoided, because seniors have a compromised immune system anyway, due to age. An overabundance of red meat and processed foods should be avoided, which is good sense for everyone. Mediterranean diet is great for diabetics, and even diabetics may eat fruit, IF it is figured into daily carb counts. Otherwise, I just let Mom enjoy.
I recall reading a comment that older people should be careful or perhaps abstain from certain foods such as sushi and certain raw vegetables that are difficult to wash to prevent a potentially-weakened immune system from being exposed to harmful bacteria. However, maybe someone else can provide additional information on this subject.
I too would recommend the Mediterranean Diet. It is important to nourish the brain with healthy fats, and also to avoid chemical-laden processed foods. Sadly, most medical doctors have very little training in nutrition. Many promote the high carb, low fat diet, which has been causing enormous harm.
You do not give us much information. What makes you think an 80 yr. old doesn't eat what younger people do? Make it fresh, with veggies, protein, and fruits (unless he is diabetic) with lots of water, and a happy environment.
If your grandad has Medicare, call his insurance company and ask if they can let you consult with a nutritionist if you are concerned about his diet. They should be able to help you in his meal planning. Good luck! :)
Ooooooops, sorry for that post. What I meant to say is that this is a good question. My husband read recently that elders should be encouraged to eat what they like--so he started eating everything he liked. Now he has a weight problem! LOL!
The point is that some elders lose interest in food, and in that case should be encouraged to eat what they like. If it helps, my mom (89) is in AL and she eats normal food, nice meals, and gets a multiple vitamin every day. The vitamin is important. However, freqflyer is right, all of this should be run past a doctor, if possible a geriatric doctor. For example, I recently began taking large doses of Vitamin D (prescribed by bone doctor) and it has had a remarkable effect on the arthritis in my feet. It is much better. All of this care is so highly specialized now that it is impossible to "go amateur" with it.
We need more information in order to help you. What are the health issues that your Grandfather is facing?
Or are you just asking in general? Getting older doesn't change one's diet. If your Grandfather is in good health, getting plenty of exercise, and is not facing any serious illnesses, then he can continue eating the same as he always has been.
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The point is that some elders lose interest in food, and in that case should be encouraged to eat what they like. If it helps, my mom (89) is in AL and she eats normal food, nice meals, and gets a multiple vitamin every day. The vitamin is important. However, freqflyer is right, all of this should be run past a doctor, if possible a geriatric doctor. For example, I recently began taking large doses of Vitamin D (prescribed by bone doctor) and it has had a remarkable effect on the arthritis in my feet. It is much better. All of this care is so highly specialized now that it is impossible to "go amateur" with it.
Or are you just asking in general? Getting older doesn't change one's diet. If your Grandfather is in good health, getting plenty of exercise, and is not facing any serious illnesses, then he can continue eating the same as he always has been.