Nutrition Tips for Healthy Ageing During the Festive Season

Nutrition Tips for Healthy Ageing During the Festive Season
EOON Care Nigeria

The festive season in Nigeria brings food, family, and celebration. But for older adults, this period also affects appetite, hydration, digestion, and blood pressure. With a few small adjustments, families can support seniors to enjoy the celebrations comfortably and safely.

Here are practical tips that work in any home:

1. Keep hydration steady

Many older adults drink less water during the harmattan or when busy with visitors. Dehydration increases confusion, dizziness, and fatigue.
Offer water, zobo, pap water, or warm tea in small amounts throughout the day.

2. Add vegetables to every meal

Even when plates are full of rice, chicken, small chops, and soups, adding vegetables helps digestion and keeps energy stable.
Ugu, spinach, cabbage, and carrots work well with most meals.

3. Reduce salt quietly

Festive cooking often has extra seasoning. High salt increases the risk of headaches, high blood pressure, and swollen feet.
Use herbs and natural spices for flavour instead.

4. Choose protein for strength

Protein supports muscle, recovery, and energy.
Good options: fish, chicken, eggs, beans, moi-moi, Greek yoghurt, and milk.

5. Keep portions moderate

Large holiday meals can cause indigestion, especially at night.
Smaller meals and light snacks help older adults stay comfortable.

6. Maintain medication routines

Celebrations can distract from timing.
A simple reminder system — an alarm or a labelled tray — helps avoid missed doses.

7. Balance treats

Seniors can enjoy festive foods.
The goal is balance: for every heavy meal, offer a lighter one the next day.

8. Look out for warning signs

Family members should watch for:
• Fatigue
• Swollen feet
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Excess thirst
These may signal dehydration or blood pressure changes.

---

How EOON Care Supports Families During the Festive Season

Our caregivers help with meal planning, hydration, medication reminders, and daily wellbeing checks — especially when families are busy or travelling.

If you need support this season, send us a message or book a home-visit package.