Contact
Healthy eating is important at any age. When you eat well, you feel well. As an older adult, the amount and types of foods you need to stay healthy will be different from when you were younger. For example, you will need to eat less food overall, but more of the food you eat should be a source of calcium or vitamin D.
On this page, you can find some information about how to eat healthy as an older adult. If you have trouble buying groceries or making meals, you can learn about meal programs in the city.
Healthy eating: What you should know
There is a lot of information you can read about eating well as an older adult.
- See Canada's Food Guide to learn what kinds of food you need each day and how much of them to eat. If you're not sure how much a "serving" of food is, Health Canada has some extra information that you can read.
- To make sure you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need, it is important to eat many different kinds of foods. Learn about the different food groups and why it is important to eat foods in all of these groups.
- If you live alone or with one other person, learn how to plan meals to last you through the week or longer. You can also read tips about how to make healthy meals that are cheap.
- For more tips, visit the Dietitians of Canada website, talk to your family doctor or ask to see a Registered Dietitian.
Meal programs in Hamilton
If it is hard for you to shop for food or make your own meals, there are programs in Hamilton that can help with this. Some of these programs have volunteers or workers that will deliver hot cooked meals to your door. Other programs are held at a community centre that you can visit. Many of these programs do not cost very much. Below is a listing of different meal programs in Hamilton.
| VON Hamilton Meal Programs |
|
For people who live in Hamilton, VON Hamilton has a "Meals on Wheels" program (a hot meal delivered to your door) and a monthly dining program where you can share a meal with other people at a church or community centre. You can get a ride to the meal from a volunteer. You have to pay for these programs, but the cost is pretty low. The programs run Monday to Friday. Phone number: 905-522-1022 |
| Ancaster Community Services Meal Programs |
|
For people who live in Ancaster, Ancaster Community Services has a "Meals on Wheels" program (a hot meal delivered to your door) and a monthly dining program where you can share a meal with other people at a church or community centre. You have to pay for these programs, but the cost is pretty low. The program runs Monday to Friday. Phone number: 905-648-6675 |
| Dundas Community Services Meal Programs |
|
For people who live in Dundas, Dundas Community Services has a "Meals on Wheels" program (a hot meal delivered to your door) and a monthly dining program where you can share a meal with other people at a church or community centre. You have to pay for these programs, but the cost is pretty low. The program runs Monday to Friday. Phone number: 905-648-6675 |
| Glanbrook Community Services Meal Programs |
|
For people who live in Glanbrook, Glanbrook Community Services has a "Meals on Wheels" program (a hot meal delivered to your door) and a monthly dining program where you can share a meal with other people at a church or community centre. You have to pay for these programs, but the cost is pretty low. The program runs Monday to Friday. Phone number: 905-648-6675 |
| First Place Hamilton - The Hamilton Dining Room |
|
If you are able to get out of your home, visit the Hamilton Dining Room at First Place and share a meal with others. You have to pay for these programs, but the cost is pretty low. The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Phone number: 905-546-2424 ext. 5155 |
| St. Matthew's House - Seniors' Drop-in Centre |
|
If you are able to get out of your home, go to St. Matthew's House to share a light breakfast or lunch with other people your age. This program runs Monday to Friday. Phone number: 905-523-5546 |
| Welcome Inn Community Centre - Tuesday Diner's Club |
|
On Tuesdays, visit the Welcome Inn's Diner's Club for a healthy lunch with other older adults. Games and entertainment follow the meal. You have to pay for the meal, but the cost is pretty low. Phone number: 905-525-5824 |
There are a number of tools and calculators available for you to see how healthy your eating habits are. These tools also give you ways to improve your eating habits and physical activity levels.