I kid you not. The very same people who were on our backs
about eating our vegetables and cleaning our plates when we were kids are
turning out to be a generation of picky eaters.
What happened?
I work at an assisted living facility and we
tease the residents gently because they hide their peas under lettuce leaves
and carefully siphon all of the broth out of a bowl of vegetable soup. We all know that poor nutrition can lead to
health problems caused by weak bones, weight loss and illness but they are no
longer interested. Are dietary
supplements the only answer?
An article in Prevention;
November 2008 (Sarah Protzman) stresses how important it is for family members
to check on the diet and eating habits of their parents. Only a loved one can truly make them
understand the importance of good nutrition.
Right now you are probably
wishing that you were a little less interested in food, but down deep you know
the importance of vitamins, minerals and calcium to your general well
being. Even now, it is important that
you think a little less about dieting and a little more about eating healthy
foods.
Why is it that our parents
are no longer interested in eating?
Contributing factors might include:
- Decreased ability to smell and taste
- Loneliness
- Lack of exercise
Take them for a walk or
encourage exercise before meals. Light
physical activity increases metabolism and hopefully increases a person’s appetite. Shop for nutritious food items and stock
their freezer with healthy and tasty meals frozen in individual serving sizes. You can also order healthy frozen dinners
online and have them delivered. Meal
preparation is a drag and becomes a chore as you get older so a little help to
make things easier will be much appreciated.
The simple task of providing easy to prepare meals might make the
difference between sickness and health, plus it shows that you care. Wouldn’t you rather have a beefed up smoothie
than a glass of one of those sweet supplements? Dentures and dental issues can
also influence what your parents want to eat.
Regular dental visits and oral hygiene are still essential. Softer foods are an option until a treatment
plan is worked out and these items can be excellent sources of calcium and
nutrients.
Communal meals at the local
senior center, invitations to eat out or at your home, or even having meals on
wheels delivered can provide daily contact with people and alleviate the
loneliness. Socialization and food are
both essential for your well being.
Comments