Choosing a Nutritional Supplement Drink for Seniors

A healthy diet is essential for seniors, and these nutritional supplement drinks for seniors make it easy to get the nutrients you need.
senior woman enjoys her warm nutritional drink

As we age, it's important to pay close attention to our diet and nutrition. Unfortunately, as we get older, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. That's why many older adults turn to nutrition drinks for seniors to make sure they're getting the nourishment they need. In this post, we'll take a closer look at nutritional drinks for seniors—what they are, the pros and cons, and what to look for when choosing one.

What are Nutritional Drinks for Senior Citizens?

Nutritional drinks are beverages that are specifically designed to provide a concentrated source of nutrients. They typically contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients like protein or fiber. Nutritional drinks are often used in combination with a meal plan for older adults.

Pros and Cons of Nutritional Drinks for Seniors

There are both pros and cons associated with nutritional drinks for seniors. On the plus side, nutritional drinks can be a convenient way to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need if you're struggling to eat more healthy food for older adults. They can also be helpful if you have difficulty swallowing or have recently lost a lot of weight. Additionally, some research has shown that people who drink nutritional drinks every day have a lower risk of developing certain chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

On the downside, however, some experts worry that people who rely on nutritional drinks may miss out on important social aspects of mealtimes like conversation and interaction with others. Additionally, because they're often high in calories and sugar, there is a potential for people to gain weight if they consume too many nutritional drinks each day.

It's important to choose carefully since not all products on the market are created equal. Here are some things to look out for when picking a nutritional drink for seniors.

Look for Nutritional Drinks That Are...

  • Lower in calories. If you're watching your weight or trying to lose weight, it's important to choose a product that's lower in calories. A good rule of thumb is to choose one that has less than 250 calories per serving.
  • Low in sugar. Sugar drinks is often one of the foods seniors should avoid as too much sugar can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. Look for products that have less than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
  • High in protein. Protein is an important nutrient for seniors because it helps preserve muscle mass and strength. Choose products that have at least 10 grams of protein per serving.
  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals. Many seniors need extra help getting enough vitamin D, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Make sure your drink is fortified with these nutrients by checking the ingredient list.

What is the Best Nutritional Drink for Seniors?

Each person is different, so there really is no one best drink out there. It really all depends on the nutrients you are looking for and of course, your personal taste. We’ve gathered 6 of our favorite nutritional supplement drinks for seniors to help you narrow down your choices.

senior woman staring out the window with her nutritional drink

Boost Nutritional Drink

When it comes to finding a drink that seniors will enjoy, Boost is a great choice. It comes in many different flavors, so there is sure to be one that your senior enjoys. It's also easy to find in stores. With 27 essential vitamins and minerals, it helps seniors get the nutrients they need.

It also has 30% less sugar than other leading nutritional drinks. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food. That's why Boost is a great way for seniors to get the nutrients they need without having to worry about getting enough from their diet.

In addition, the low sugar content means that seniors can enjoy Boost without having to worry about blood sugar spikes.

Glucerna Hunger Shake

As people age, their bodies become less efficient at using insulin to process glucose. This can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar spikes and dips, which can be extremely dangerous. Senior citizens who are struggling to manage their blood sugar levels may find that a Glucerna Hunger Shake can help.

This shake is designed specifically for those who need help regulating their blood sugar levels. It contains CARBSTEADY, which helps to keep blood sugar levels steady for up to six hours. In addition, it has 15g of protein and only 5g of sugar per serving, making it a nutritionally balanced shake that can help seniors maintain a healthy weight.

If you are a senior citizen struggling to control your blood sugar levels, a Glucerna Hunger Shake may be the right choice for you.

Orgain Organic Protein Shake

For seniors, it is important to have a protein shake that contains all the essential nutrients needed for tissue repair and growth. The Orgain Organic Protein Shake is perfect for this purpose. It is USDA organic, gluten free, soy free, kosher, and non-GMO. Additionally, it contains 21 vitamins and minerals and 8g of organic fiber. Plus, with 10g of organic protein, this shake helps seniors maintain their health and vitality.

SlimFast Advanced Nutrition Smoothie

SlimFast's Advanced Nutrition Smoothie is a great way for seniors to get the nutrition they need while also losing weight or maintaining their current weight. This delicious smoothie contains 20g of protein, 5g of fiber, and only 1g of sugar per serving. What's more, the smoothie is clinically proven to help seniors feel fuller longer between meals.

Additionally, this nutrition drink for senior citizens comes in five different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cappuccino, and cookies & cream. So, there's sure to be a flavor that everyone will enjoy!

Ensure Original Nutrition Shake

This doctor-recommended shake is packed with 9 grams of protein to help rebuild muscle tissue lost during illness or inactivity. It also has 24 essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, to support cell health. Plus, it comes in a variety of delicious flavors, so you'll look forward to drinking it. If you're looking for a convenient way to get the nutrition your body needs, be sure to pick up a bottle of Ensure Original.

Geritol Complete Multivitamin Liquid

Geritol Complete Multivitamin Liquid is designed specifically for seniors who are over the age of 50. It contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants to support eye health. It's also easy on the stomach, making it a good option for those with digestive issues. With so many vitamins and minerals in one convenient product, Geritol Complete Multivitamin Liquid is an ideal way for seniors to ensure that they're getting the nutrients they need.

Should I Take Nutrition Drinks for Seniors?

As we age, our bodies go through a lot of changes. We often don’t have the same energy levels that we did when we were younger, and our metabolism starts to slow down. This can make it difficult to get the nutrients we need from our diet alone. Nutrition drinks for seniors are a convenient way to get the extra nutrition we need. They’re easy to make and can be tailored to our individual needs.

For example, there are shakes specifically designed for those who are trying to lose weight or build muscle. There are also shakes that are enriched with vitamins and minerals, making them a great option for those who don’t eat a varied diet. While nutrition drinks are no substitute for a healthy diet, they can be a helpful addition to our daily routine.

If you’re considering adding nutrition drinks to your diet, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure they’re right for you.

Assistance Club Summary

Nutritional drinks for senior citizens can be a convenient way for seniors to make sure they're getting all the nutrients they need; however, not all products on the market are created equal. When choosing a drink, look for one that is lower in calories and sugar and higher in protein while also being fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, always check with your doctor or registered dietitian before starting any new supplement regimen.

We hope this Senior Assistance Club guide has helped you in deciding if nutritional drinks for senior citizens is right for you!