Ask an expert
Q: I live alone and don’t always feel like cooking. I would like to get Meals on Wheels sometimes. Do I qualify? Must I be under a certain income level, and if so, what?
Ask an expert: Katlyn Blackstone
Director, Community Services, Southern Maine Agency on Aging
A: To qualify for Meals on Wheels, one needs to be unable to prepare food and/or be mostly confined to their home. There are no financial restrictions for home-delivered meals, so income is not an issue, but donations are accepted.
Q: I’m concerned about eating healthfully, but my finances are tight and I’m trying to save money on groceries. What are some nutritious options that are also inexpensive?
Ask an expert: Bethany Lawrence
Geriatric care manager, founder and president of Aging Excellence
A: There are many great options for inexpensive healthy eating choices. It just takes a little education and planning. I recommend the use of the Tufts Medical Center Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults. It emphasizes nutrient-dense food choices and the importance of fluid balance (DRINK MORE WATER), but has added additional guidance about forms of foods that could best meet the unique needs of older adults and about the importance of regular physical activity. One of the biggest cost savers in one's food budget is to avoid already prepared foods and make your own. This also happens to be the healthier option, too. For seniors this may mean once a week preparing a recipe that serves six and dividing it up and freezing portions to reheat. Shifting your diet even slightly to more vegetarian choices is also healthy and less expensive than meat options. Brown rice and pasta, beans and legumes along with just more vegetables (frozen, raw, cooked, or salads) are all highly recommended choices. Do some recipe research or consult with a dietician (many large grocery stores have dieticians/nutritionists on staff for consults) for meal and preparation ideas.
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