Preventing Food Poisoning for Seniors to Enjoy a Healthy Diet
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
Food poisoning is never a fun experience and can even cause us to never want to have food related to what we just ate… ever again.
However, for seniors, it’s especially devastating to get food poisoning due to changes in their immune system as they age. Their bodies may not be strong enough to fight off poisoning, even the slightest kind.
When we’re younger, we may feel a little off in our stomachs or have vomiting, but for seniors, one little bite can bring on the worst of symptoms.
Luckily, food poisoning can be prevented.
As caregivers, it is important to make sure our senior loved ones have fresh food available in their fridge and are reminded about food safety at home.
This blog will highlight some tips to help you and your elderly parents feel confident at each meal they sit down to.
Ways to Prevent Food Poisoning:
Proper Food Handling and Storage. Many seniors refuse to waste food and can keep many items stored outside and inside a refrigerator for days and days. Their appetite may decrease as they age, too, meaning that much food is forgotten or not eaten fast enough.
Food contamination can quickly happen to raw meats, fruits, and vegetables that have been cut or sliced. For instance, tomatoes that have been sliced are good for no more than two days. A hard-boiled egg with its shell on can last up to 10 days in a fridge but without its shell, this time lessens to about 5 days.
Cooking Food Thoroughly. Meats, especially, need to be cooked to their correct internal temperature. Having a thermometer available for meats is an important kitchen tool. Many recipes keep this in mind, but not all ovens, stoves, and grills put off the same heat. Check with the FDA to get the correct temperature for meat and other animal products, like fish, poultry, and eggs.
Avoid Cross-contamination. Harmful bacteria can spread from one food to another. If there is one rotting tomato sitting out, it can transfer to a perfectly ripe one. The same goes for foods stored in the fridge without lids or airtight containers. Bacteria spreads easily with cutting boards, utensils, and plates, too. Clean and sanitize your senior’s kitchen surfaces regularly to maintain an A-grade cooking environment.
Choose Safe and Fresh Foods. Saving money is always helpful, but quality food should not be skimped on. Seniors should choose produce that is fresh and healthy in appearance. The Farmers Market and local health food stores typically do charge more, but you can almost guarantee the foods are fresh. Consider having a home garden so your senior can ensure their food is the freshest they’ll ever have. Limit or avoid raw dairy products and choose ones that have been pasteurized.
Consume Whole Foods. As your senior’s immune system weakens, it is important to help build it up with whole foods versus processed foods. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals and adequate amounts of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, greatly help support a healthy immune system.
It is important for you, as a caregiver or a senior, to consult with your primary care provider to find out what foods are best for you. Doctors will consider your current health and if you have any chronic conditions that may put you at risk of high-risk foods such as seafood, meats, and dairy products.
For more information on food-safety and preventing food poisoning, contact us.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about the prevention of food poisoning and are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
