Senior Health Issues: Senior Nutrition

Why do so many older people develop deplorable eating habits?   It could be that they don’t know any better, but I don’t really believe that.  I wonder if they just don’t feel it is worth the effort any more.   Jim Miller in his terrific book “Savvy Senior,” points out that nutrition plays a very important role in determining how you feel and how you age.  A good diet goes a long way toward preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, gastrointestinal problems and chronic malnutrition.  He isn’t just cautioning about obesity, but about eating as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Why don’t seniors take nutrition seriously?  After years of nagging at their kids to eat properly they know the importance of good nutrition.   Why aren’t seniors eating healthy foods?   Poor eating habits creep in for a variety of reason;   loneliness, lack of cooking skills and physical as well as financial problems can all be a part of this rather dismal picture.   Older people who find themselves single after years of living with another person find it difficult to be alone, and mealtimes are the most difficult times of all.  They may become depressed; lose interest in food preparation or in eating regular meals.  After years of leaving the cooking and household chores to their wives it isn’t surprising to learn that many widowed men have no idea how to cook or prepare food.

Special diets:  many older people have chronic medical problems that require a special diet.  Special diets often require a considerable amount of effort.  Many older people will settle for processed foods that are quick and easy to prepare (frozen dinners, canned foods and lunch meats).  These meals often provide too many calories and have too much fat and salt.  I have worked with seniors who will turn down the Meals on Wheels program and then dine on instant soup and cereals.  It isn’t a good decision. Food is just as important as the dozens of pills that people swallow every day.

Physical problems:  some people overly restrict foods that are important to their health because of chewing difficulties and gastrointestinal disturbances (constipation, diarrhea and heartburn).  Adverse reactions to some medications can cause people to avoid certain foods.  Some medications alter the sense of taste and adversely affect appetite.  Nothing tastes good.

Money matters:  People on a limited budget are stunned by the price of groceries.  Fresh produce, milk, and other perishables are frighteningly expensive unless you cook regularly and make them a part of a healthy meal plan.

Recommended Solutions:  

Food programs:  Home-delivered meals and congregate nutrition services are the primary nutrition programs.  The congregate meal program allows seniors to gather at a local site for an inexpensive but nutritious meal, and enjoy social activities as well.

Family and friends can help out by making sure that their senior is taking advantage of local food programs.  Looking in occasionally to ensure that your loved one is eating properly, and sharing home cooked meals, is a priceless gift.  Never assume that that if you don’t hear from them that everything is okay.  Taking turns and fixing meals with and for friends is another way to keep skills intact and enjoy social camaraderie as well.   It is also a good idea to speak with a dietitian about how to make meal time an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.

 

Comments

[lovingcarehealth]

Senior Health Service provides are Responsible for the promotion and protection of the public's health through education, disease and injury prevention. Thanks for sharing. Keep on doing the good work.

[Carol]

Seniors need to eat more healthy food than younger ones. Their body is more susceptible to diseases.