Mindful eating is something that people of all ages should know about. If you are caring for your elderly loved one, this is something that you might want to help them with. Before doing so, it might be a good idea to review what mindful eating is.
Defining Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is paying attention to what you are eating. It is about trying to make healthier decisions when eating. It is about being present when you are eating to ensure you are having a positive attitude toward food. This is helpful because it allows people to use all their senses when eating. Elderly people especially benefit from this because it keeps their senses intact and helps to prevent memory loss.
Getting Rid of Distractions
If you and caregivers are helping to take care of your elderly loved one, you should encourage them to practice mindful eating. Part of doing this means getting rid of distractions when eating. Your elderly loved one shouldn’t be watching television or talking on the phone when they are eating. This could cause them to eat too much or not enough. It is alright to have you or one of the caregivers at your loved one’s house when they are eating. However, make sure there isn’t too much talking that causes your elderly loved one to get distracted from their food.
Beginning Mindful Eating
If you want to help your elderly loved one to practice mindful eating, there are some tips on how to begin this practice. Your elderly loved one needs to start by not judging themselves of the food they are eating. They need to accept that they may have had issues with overeating or under eating in the past and this is okay.
At this point, they need to have patience with themselves. For example, if they currently take big bites when eating, they should allow that to happen. Slowly, over time, they can start taking smaller bites. Your elderly loved one can then start practicing the mindfulness portion of mindful eating. This involves tasting every part of the food, smelling it, and enjoying it. If your elderly loved one can do these things, they will have a healthier relationship with food and with eating.
Conclusion
These are the things that your elderly loved one needs to know about mindful eating. Now that you have this information, you can share it with your elderly loved one. If your elderly loved one is on board, you and their caregivers can help support them in their journey of mindful eating.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Caregiver in Burlington, NC please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care. Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today 919-676-1070.
Sources
