A growing number of elderly people are choosing to eat softfood or are placed on a soft food diet by medical professionals.
This is often because they have difficulty chewing solidfood due todysphagia,partially missing or complete loss of teeth, poor dental hygiene, reduced sense of taste or smell, and a host of digestive and other medical conditions.
Here are the reasons why soft foods can be good for older adults along with 31 easy to make ideas for soft meals and snacks plus some high protein and high calorie options too.
Why Do Some Elderly People NeedSoftFoods?
Fortunately, there are many benefits to eating softfoodfor the elderly. Some of the benefits include:
It Reduces Risk of Falls and Injuries
Softfoodis less likely to cause falls and injuries because it is often easier to prepare and doesn’t require hours on your feet cooking at a stove. Mostsoftfoodscan even be prepared in your microwave oven. So, for elderly people with mobility or balance problems, less time on their feet is a good thing.
It Reduces Risk of Malnutrition and Weight Loss
Softfoodis often high in nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for ahealthydiet. It can also help reduce the risk of malnutrition and weight loss inseniors, since they may not be able to eat as many solid nutritiousfoods as they used to due to health conditions or age-related issues.
It Improves Hydration
One of the most important is that softfoodcan help keep the elderly hydrated.Softfoodsoften have more water content than hardfoods, so they help to keep the elderly hydrated.
Many Soft Foods Have Fewer Calories
Eating softfoodcan help to reduce the caloric intake ofseniors. This is because the bestsoftfoodsoften have a lower calorie content than hardfoods. This can be helpful for people who are trying to lose weight, since they will be eating fewer calories overall.
They Are Easier to Process and Digest
Additionally, softfoodis often easier to digest, which can improve overall health and well-being. And, of course, it is easier to chew and can even be consumed byseniorswho are missing teeth or have no teeth at all.
It’s ComfortFood!
Many of thesofterfoodsthat we all enjoy are often comfortfoods too which can help relieve stress and anxiety. Examples are mac and cheese, ice cream and puddings.
PinHow to Choose the Right SoftFoodfor the Elderly
When it comes to choosing the right softfoodfor the elderly, there are a few things to keep in mind.
It Should BeEasyto Eat and Digest.
Manyseniorshave difficulty eating due to dysphagia, missing or lack of teeth, and other medical conditions.Softfoodsthat areeasyto eat and digest will help to improve their quality of life. If it isn’t, they won’t eat it and then won’t get the nutritional benefits they need.
It Should Be Low in Sugar and High in Fiber.
The elderly are more prone to digestive problems, such as constipation and diarrhea. To help with these issues, it is important that theirfoodis low in sugar and high in fiber.
Seniorsshould not consume much sugar because it can lead to problems such as obesity and diabetes and is considered to contain “empty calories”. Fiber is also important because it helps to.
A diet high in fiber keeps the intestines moving, helps with digestion, and regulates bowel movements.Softfoodsthat contain a high amount of water and fiber can help keep you full, prevent cravings, and reduce snacking.
It Should Contain Calcium andProtein.
Additionally, thefoodthey consume should contain nutrients such as calcium and be a good source ofprotein. Calcium is important for the development and function of the bones, whileproteinis necessary for muscle growth and repair.
Not all softfoodproducts contain these nutrients, so read the nutritional labels. Some of the best sources of these nutrients include: yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, applesauce, and puddings.
Make sure that the elderly person is getting enoughproteinand vitamins, as these nutrients can help support overall health.
It Should Be Low inFatand Calories.
Findfoods that are low infatand calories.Seniorsshould not eat a lot offatbecause it can increase the risk of heart disease, negativelyaffects digestion, and increases the risk of obesity.
Some good choices for low-fatfoods include: fruit, vegetables, yogurt, oatmeal, low-fatcottage cheese, and low-fatpuddings. Choosefoods with healthy fats instead.
Variety is Key!
Finally, elderly people should have a variety ofsofterfoodsto choose from. Provide them with a range of flavors and textures that can appeal to different taste buds. This way, they can find something that they enjoy and that will provide them with the nutritional benefits that they need.
Plus, variety is the spice of life, right?
PinSoftFoodMeals for the Elderly
People eating a softfooddiet often struggle to come up with complete,nutritiousmeals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Here is a list of thebestsoftfoodsthat can make a complete delicious meal that people without teeth can easily eat:
1. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a favorite for many people and it can be dressed up by addingsmall piecesof meats and vegetables to it. Macaroni and cheese can also be made with a variety of different cheeses and dairy products. Watch thefatand calories, though.
2. Soups
There are all types of soups to choose from. They are readily available at the grocery store or can be made at home from scratch.Some good examples are chicken noodle soup, beef vegetable soup, and tomato bisque.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the easiest type of potato for people without teeth to eat but they can also eat baked potatoes without skins, scalloped potatoes, hash browns, and even sweet potatoes for variety. White rice can be a great option.
4. PureedFoods
Many firmerfoods can be cooked until soft and then put in afoodprocessor or pureed to make them easier to eat.Check out my guide to making pureedfoodforseniorsherefor more information.
5. Steamed Soft Vegetables
Steaming vegetables softens them up without reducing their nutritional content or flavor like boiling will. People with tooth loss can choose from a wide array of raw vegetables, just make sure that they are cooked until soft. They can be pureed as well.
6. Flaky Fish
Most types of fish can be eaten without teeth –just make sure that they are cooked until the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Flaky fish can also be pureed if you like.
7. Lean Meats
Finelychoppedor pureed lean meats can be a good choice. They areeasyto eat and can be made with a variety of different meats. Adding soft steamed vegetables can make a complete meal.
8. Fresh Fruits
Bananas in particular are a great source of potassium and other nutrients, like vitamin C, that are beneficial for people without teeth. They can also help to keep your blood pressure in check and provide you with some essential vitamins and minerals.
Other soft fresh fruits thatseniorsmay want to try include kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, applesauce, melons, andchoppedup grapes.
Fresh fruit can be eaten for breakfast or added to any meal to up the nutritional content or add some sweetness.
9. Scrambled Eggs
Most people love scrambled eggs and they are ahealthyfoodfor people with no teeth. They can also eat an omelet with small pieces ofveggies or other ingredients like onions, olives, and more.
10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal iseasyand quick to prepare and a comfortfoodfor many people. It comes in a variety of flavors and is another favorite for breakfast meals. You can stir infinelychoppedfruits and berries or lots of spices to suit your own tastes.
Don’t like oatmeal? Try some cream of wheat!
11. Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is another softfoodthat iseasyto prepare and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. Find an easy recipe on the internet and add shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or anything else you like. Just make sure it is cooked until very soft or you could leave the meat out and just use beans.
12. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is another softfoodthat iseasyto make and can be flavored to your preference. Make sure the meatballs are small and extremely soft. There are also lots of canned varieties of spaghetti and meatballs available at your local grocery store.
13. Chicken and Dumplings
Many older adults grew up eating chicken and dumplings. They are a simple andeasydish and you can add gravy,choppedup onions, or even mashed potatoes to the dumplings to change them up a little.
14. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is made of a variety of meats and vegetables that are cooked in a pie crust and topped with mashed potatoes. Chop the meat and veggies up into small bits and cook the entire dish until everything is very soft.
15. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a great softfoodchoice because it is a hearty dish that comes in a creamy sauce consisting of sour cream, mushrooms, and beef.
16. Soft Tortillas and Quesadillas
A variety of soft Mexican dishes can be made with soft tortillas, beans, ground meats, and cheese. Some common dishes include quesadillas, burritos, soft tacos, and enchiladas.
17. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic softfoodthat can be made at home or bought at the store canned and ready to heat. They can be flavored with your choice of spices. Add a little salt, pepper, and sugar (very little!) to the beans before you bake them in the oven.
18. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad is a great, quicksnack idea for the elderly. It is reallyeasyto make and can be bought ready to eat from the store too. And there is very little chewing required to consume this nutritional treat! Eggs containproteinplus omega andhealthyfats.
However, the yolks are high in cholesterol soit is recommendedto remove some or all of the yolk when making an egg salad. Eggs also contain a good dose of both Vitamin A and the B-complex vitamins.
19. Crustless Quiche
This is the ultimate, soft meal that can double as a soft snack too plus it can either be made in one big pie or in mini form.
Quiche contains all the goodness of eggs plus more benefits from other ingredients that are added to the mix. Spinach is also a good source of fiber to help with digestion. They check just about all the boxes for nutritional value.
PinHigh-CalorieSoftFoodsfor Elderly People
Forseniorsand the elderly who have trouble maintaining their weight, there are plenty of high-caloriesoftfoodsthat elderly people will want to have for their use. Stock up on these types offoods so that they will get theproper nutrition that elderly people with no teethneed.
20. Energy Drinks
Elderly people may wish to get their calories from energy drinks. These are made specifically to include the vitamins and minerals that will keep themhealthyas well as provide a good calorie intake too. (Click here for my list of the best energy drinks for the elderly)
21. Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls
Smoothies are a great way to use up anyfoodthat you might have lying around. They’re perfect for fruits, vegetables, greens (and even meats) that are high in calories and taste great too! Smoothie bowls are another great option.
For a ready made option, check outKate Farms Nutritional Shakes. I use them myself and can tell you they arenutritiousand delicious.
22. BabyFoods
There are many babyfoods to choose from on the market including meats that containprotein.Since babyfoodis already soft, they do not need to worry about preparing them differently.
23. Other Soft, High CalorieFoods
More high caloriefoods that are soft andnutritiousfoods to include yogurt, hummus, peanut butter (or other nut butters), dark chocolate brownies, soft granola bars, and whole grain waffles.
Soft Snacks for Elderly People
People love to have snackfoods on hand and those on soft diets are no exception. Not only do they taste good but they fill up your stomach between meals. The key is to findnutritious, healthyfoodsand try to stay away from junkfoods.
Here are some great options of soft snackfoods that the elderly and people without teeth will enjoy:
24. Puddings and Custards
People will find lots ofoptionswith puddings from homemade custards to quick fix puddings to ready to eatoptions. They all come indifferent flavors and they taste good too!
25. Jell-O
Jell-O is another favorite snack item for people without teeth. You’ll find that there are all types of gelatins to choose from and they can include all types offinelycut-up fruits too.
26. Soft Cakes and Brownies
There are many different soft snack cakes to choose from. Avoid nuts in the cakes unless they arechoppedup veryfinely. Otherwise, there is a big variety to choose from.
27. Ice Cream and Sherbet
Ice cream and sherbet are both delicious and refreshingoptionsthat can be enjoyed by the elderly. Both haveoptionsthat are lower in sugar and calories. Both ice cream and sherbet are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them a great option for any senior snacker.
28. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great softfoodoption for people who have trouble chewing solidfoods. Yogurt can be enjoyed with small bits of granola, fruit or nuts as toppings. It is also high ina good source of proteinwhich is beneficial forseniors.
29. Soft, Chewy Granola Bars
For those who are looking for ahealthysnack option, granola bars may be a good fit. Soft and chewy granola bars areeasyto digest and provide plenty of nutritional value. Some of the best soft, chewy granola bars include those made with oats and soft fruits.
30. Applesauce
Applesauce and other cooked fresh fruits are soft andeasyto eat, making them a good choice forseniors. Applesauce is also high in nutrients and can be enjoyed as a snack or even as part of a meal.
31. Soft Cookies
There are lots of soft cookieoptionsout there like chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, ladyfingers, and oatmeal cookies. These are alleasyto eat and provide a nice snack or dessert option for the elderly.
Wrapping Up
Thesesoftfoodsfor elderly people were chosen because they areeasyto make, readily available and provide lots of nutrition. There are even a few guilty pleasures that made the list.
Making sure thatseniorsand the elderly eat well is extremely important. Using theoptionsand tips above, elderly people – even those with no teeth at all – will find that they can eat a lot offoods that will make them happy and keep themhealthy.
Tell me your other ideas for soft snacks for elderly people in the comments below!
