How to make life easier

A quick internet search of the words seniors + poor diet will result in you being offered numerous studies highlighting concerns and also urging more awareness be raised about this critical issue.

The latest figures from Statistics Canada found for the first time in our history, there are now more people aged 65 and over than those aged 15 and under. We are a greying nation.

Malnutrition in seniors, for some health experts, is a crisis that is being overlooked. In 2015, a Canadian Malnutrition Task Force estimated at least one in three people aged 65-plus who were admitted to hospital suffered from malnutrition.

There are many factors causing seniors to struggle to maintain a balanced diet. One high on many experts’ list is living alone. Often, decline occurs after the person has lost a longtime partner and no longer participates in shared routines. One of those, for example, is spending time together during a meal.

When it comes to diet, the often-heard excuse is that it is too much hassle to cook for one. The fallback is either junk food, highly processed food or regularly skipping meals. All of these options can lead to health problems

There is an assumption in the general population that, as we age, we need to eat less. In fact, as we get older, there are some vitamins and minerals we need in greater amounts than younger people. And in many cases, high-protein diets are usually recommended.

Heart to Home Meals has led the way for many seniors by offering specially designed meals. They can be ordered online or on the phone and most often are delivered free, right to a senior’s freezer. With more than 200 items on the menu, almost every dietary need can be catered for.

Such a service can be lifechanging to an elderly person and offers great peace of mind to family members.

Chetan Bahl, who runs the Heart to Home Meals franchise in Edmonton, was surprised at how many seniors, before they became customers, had been struggling with their diet. “One lady, because of mobility issues, had been having popcorn every evening for her supper,” explained Chetan.

The evidence collected by health experts over many years suggests what Chetan experienced was not an isolated case.

In Calgary, franchisee Tracy Brunt believes the interaction between the Heart to Home Meals team and its customers is almost as important as the meals delivered.

Roughly 25 per cent of seniors live alone in Canada and many are at risk from less interaction, less mobility and greater isolation, so having an ongoing relationship with customers can be very rewarding for both parties.

All the Heart to Home Meals franchisees are committed to being engaged with their customers — trust and reliance are taken very seriously.

The franchisees usually have a background in the service industry and see “customers as part of their family.”

At the centre of the service is the food. Heart to Home Meals is constantly updating its menu to accommodate the changing palate of seniors in Canada. Plus, they get daily feedback from the orders on what is popular. And, seniors are very keen to offer their opinions when it comes to the meals.

This is a community that is growing and trying to improve the quality of life of seniors, one meal at a time.

For more information, visit www.hearttohomemeals.ca

When it comes to diet, the often-heard excuse is that it is too much hassle to cook for one.