Food is more than fuel.  

It’s comfort. It’s culture. It’s connection. And when it comes to seniors in residential aged care, it can also be the secret weapon to better health, fewer hospital visits, and a whole lot more smiles around the table. 

Whether you’re an aged care provider, a loved one taking care of an elder, or caregiver planning meals day in and day out, we know you’ve got your hands full. So we’re here to make your job a little easier—with smart, simple nutrition strategies that actually work (and won’t have anyone turning up their nose at dinner). 

Why Nutrition Deserves a Seat at the Table 

As we age, our bodies change—but our need for good food doesn’t. 

In fact, seniors often need more of the good stuff like protein, fibre, and vitamins to maintain strength, energy, and immunity. According to findings from the National Library of Medicine, older adults face increased risks of malnutrition due to physiological changes, chronic health conditions, and medication side effects that can affect appetite and nutrient absorption.  

Add in the occasional "I’m-not-hungry" protest, and it’s easy to see why nutritional needs often go unmet in aged care settings. 

Undernutrition in seniors has been linked to: 

• Increased risk of falls and fractures 
• Slower recovery from illness 
• Weakened immunity 
• Cognitive decline 
• Loss of muscle mass (aka: sarcopenia) 

The good news? With the right approach, you can turn things around—one bite (or sip) at a time. 

Smart, Simple Nutrition That Helps Seniors Thrive 

When seniors are fuelled properly, they’re stronger, brighter, and more likely to win at bingo (probably). From boosting energy to fighting off those pesky colds, a good meal plan can do wonders. So let’s break down some tasty, no-fuss strategies that make a real difference in day-to-day care. 

1. Prioritise Protein at Every Meal 

Protein isn’t just for gym junkies or bodybuilders—it’s the secret sauce for keeping seniors strong, steady, and on their feet. As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass (a process called sarcopenia), which can lead to weakness, fatigue, and a higher risk of falls.  

According to Harvard Health and findings published in the Nutrients journal, older adults actually need more protein than younger people to maintain muscle and recover from illness or injury. 

Why? Because our bodies become less efficient at using protein to build and repair tissue as we age—so we need a little extra help from our meals and snacks. 

Easy wins for keeping protein levels up: 

• Food first: Eggs, tuna, chicken, yoghurt, lentils, and cheese are your trusty go-tos. 
• Snack smart: Offer protein-rich options like boiled eggs, Greek yoghurt, or nut butters between meals. 

Not finishing meals? That’s common in aged care, and that’s where high-protein drinks swoop in to save the day. 

Try Fortisip Compact Protein, a small 125ml bottle that packs 18g of high-quality protein and 300 calories.  

Add Fortisip Compact Protein to your cart today!

It’s ideal for residents who struggle to finish full meals but still need energy and muscle support. With a variety of flavours and a ready-to-drink format, it’s an easy win for aged care providers and carers alike. 

Pro tip: Serve it chilled and keep a few flavour options on rotation to avoid flavour fatigue. 

2. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration 

If we had a dollar for every senior who said, “I’m not thirsty,” we’d be sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere. But jokes aside, dehydration is a silent troublemaker in aged care. According to WebMD, it can sneak up quickly and wreak havoc—causing confusion, constipation, UTIs, low blood pressure, and even falls. 

And the kicker? As we age, our sense of thirst gets a little… well, forgetful. That means older adults often don’t realise they’re dehydrated until it’s too late. 

But don’t worry—keeping hydration on track doesn’t have to be a chore. 

Easy and effective hydration tips: 

• Make fluids part of the routine: Offer drinks regularly throughout the day, not just at meal or medication times. Think morning tea, mid-afternoon, and after every activity. 
• Serve it with style: Use high-contrast, easy-grip cups to make drinks easier to see and handle—especially important for residents with vision impairments or arthritis. 
• Mix it up: Water’s great, but variety is key. Try herbal teas, milk, fruit-infused water, soups, smoothies, and hydrating supplement drinks. 
• Keep drinks visible and accessible: A jug of water on the bedside table might be ignored—unless it’s within reach and topped with a slice of lemon for flair. 
• Encourage little sips often: A full glass might seem overwhelming, but smaller portions throughout the day feel more manageable. 
• Add hydrating foods: Watermelon, cucumber, soups, and jelly all count toward daily fluid intake. 

Bonus tip: If hydration is a struggle due to low appetite or swallowing issues, nutritional supplement drinks like Resource Fruit Beverage offer hydration and energy in one—perfect for fussy drinkers and those on clear fluid or low-FODMAP diets. 

Stock up on Nestle Resource Fruit Beverage Prism today!

3. Make Meals a Moment️

No one gets excited about eating in silence off a beige tray. But turn mealtime into a social, sensory experience? Now that’s appetising. 

Seniors are far more likely to eat (and enjoy it!) when meals are: 

• Served hot and fresh – Food loses both flavour and appeal when it sits too long. Keep it warm and aromatic to stimulate appetite. 
• Presented attractively – Even a soft-texture diet can be plated with care. Think colourful veggies, shaped purees, garnishes—yes, even parsley has a role! 
• Shared with others – Eating is a social event. A shared table encourages conversation, laughter, and that gentle nudge to finish a meal. 

Pro tip: Create a homey dining experience—play calming background music, use table settings with real cutlery and placemats, and rotate menu favourites to keep things exciting. Even a themed night (pasta party, anyone?) can turn an ordinary dinner into a celebration. 

Need meal inspiration? Easy-prep options like soups, casseroles, or meals from reputable services like Top Nosh make it simple to serve nourishing food without the kitchen chaos. As Oxacare suggests, the goal is flavourful, nutrient-dense meals that don’t require a culinary degree to prepare. 

Remember: meals aren’t just about calories—they’re about comfort, community, and joy. So light a candle, play some old tunes, and turn dinner into the highlight of the day. 

4. Supplement Drinks = Small Volume, Big Impact 

Getting enough nutrients into residents who are tired, unwell, or just not that into mealtimes can be a daily challenge. That’s where supplement drinks come in. These little bottles and powders are a smart, simple way to top up nutrition without fuss, frustration, or food waste. 

They’re easy to serve, easy to swallow, and pack a serious nutritional punch that supports: 

• Muscle maintenance and recovery 
• Healthy weight management 
• Immune system support 
• Energy and vitality 
• Better hydration (and fewer “I’m not thirsty” battles) 

Here are some go-to picks from Platinum Health Supply that aged care providers love: 

1. Fortisip Compact Protein 

Add-to-cart Fortisip Compact Protein today

Perfect for residents with small appetites but big nutritional needs, this 125ml drink delivers 300 calories and 18g of protein in a single serve. That means less volume to finish, and more nutrients absorbed. Great for supporting weight gain, wound healing, and maintaining strength—especially after illness or surgery. 

2. Nestlé Resource Fruit Beverage 

Shop Nestlé Resource Fruit Beverage

A light and refreshing clear fluid supplement with 9g of protein per serve—ideal for residents on clear-fluid or low-FODMAP diets, or those who just prefer a fruity alternative to milky drinks. Plus, this Resource Fruit Beverage helps boost hydration and top up energy at the same time. You can also try the Resource 2.0 for a fibre boost! 

3. Ensure Powder 

Get Ensure Here

Need a flexible option? Ensure powder is a nutrient-rich powder that blends easily into drinks, soups, smoothies or even baked goods. With 28 vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, and prebiotic fibre, it supports everything from gut health to immunity—ideal for everyday nourishment. You can also try the Ensure Drink or Ensure Plus for quicker nutritional fix

4. Nestlé Nutren Diabetes 

Try Nutren Diabetes Today

Designed specifically for seniors with diabetes, the Nutren Diabetes is a low-GI, high-protein drink that helps maintain steady blood sugar levels while still delivering balanced nutrition. It's a gentle but powerful way to support energy, muscle strength, and overall wellbeing—without the sugar spike.

These drinks are a no-stress, high-impact solution. They help close nutritional gaps, reduce malnutrition risks, and support faster, stronger recoveries—making life easier for caregivers and better for residents. 

5. Work With Dietitians (They’re the MVPs of Meal Planning) 

Let’s give credit where it’s due—dietitians are the secret sauce behind successful aged care meal planning. They're not just about counting kilojoules or banning biscuits. These accredited professionals use clinical insight and a people-first approach to craft personalised nutrition plans that actually work. 

Why partner with a dietitian? Because every resident is different—and their nutrition should be too. 

Here’s what they help with:

✔️ Chronic health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or renal issues that require precise dietary tweaks

✔️ Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) where texture-modified meals and thickened fluids can make all the difference

✔️ Cultural preferences, allergies, and ethical diets—because food should feel familiar and enjoyable

✔️ Nutritional screening and assessments to catch early signs of malnutrition before it becomes a hospital trip 

According to Bloom Healthcare, dietitians in aged care also play a vital role in educating staff, monitoring residents’ progress, and making proactive changes to avoid nutritional decline. They’re not just a “nice-to-have”—they’re essential. 

The result? Better health outcomes, improved energy, and residents who feel seen and supported. A good dietitian doesn’t just improve meals—they elevate the entire care experience. 

Shop Smarter Nutrition for Seniors at Platinum Health 

When it comes to senior care, good nutrition isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. From boosting energy and immunity to supporting recovery and overall happiness, what’s on the plate (or in the cup) makes all the difference. 

If you’re ready to level up your facility’s nutrition game, we’ve got you covered. 

Shop our curated range of high-quality nutritional supplement drinks at Platinum Health Supply—trusted by aged care providers, approved by healthcare professionals, and designed with seniors in mind. 

Whether you're looking for protein-packed sips, hydration boosters, or easy-to-serve meal support, we make it simple to fuel better care. 

Start shopping today and make every meal, shake, or sip count.