Senior nutrition

     Nutrition plays an essential role in the quality of life for all of us, but especially for seniors. Eating a balanced diet of nutrient rich foods and making healthy choices with snacks, contributes to a strong body and helps maintain good health and well being. However, many seniors are not getting their nutritional needs met. One research study estimated that 3.7 million seniors are under nourished or malnourished. One reason for poor nutrition is the perceptual changes, or changes with our senses that occur as we age. Hearing loss makes it difficult for seniors to enjoy dinner conversations and social events, which encourage a positive food experience. Taste buds decrease as we age, as does our taste for salty and sweet, making foods taste bitter or sour. Our sense of smell may also decrease contributing to a loss of satisfaction in enjoying a meal. Seniors tend to simply lose interest in eating when food doesn’t taste or smell as good as it once did. Cindy Spading, registered dietitian nutritionist at Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Campus, states that with age, some seniors also lose their sense of thirst and are easily dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a number of health concerns such as confusion, difficulty walking, dizziness, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and dry mouth.

     Gastrointestinal issues seem to increase as individuals age and can result in poor nutrition. Seniors may experience more constipation or gastritis causing them to eat less or to make unhealthy food choices. Changes in kidney functioning, nervous system functioning, and food absorption affect overall nutrition, as well. Loss of teeth and ill-fitting dentures is another reason for poor nutrition. As individuals age, metabolism slows down, energy levels decline, and caloric intake needs change. While some seniors may become over weight, needing foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories (low fat meats, fruits and vegetables), others tend to be underweight needing healthy foods that are high in calories such as nuts, peanut butter and cheeses.

     Seniors living alone face added challenges in their attempt to maintain proper nutrition and make healthy food choices. Cooking for oneself may seem more like a chore than the effort it’s worth. Snacking instead of eating balanced meals is also easier when you’re living alone. Seniors experiencing cognitive deficits may forget to eat. It is very important for caretakers to monitor food intake of their loved ones and provide healthy and appealing choices. Drinking five to eight glasses of water per day, eating foods high in fiber to help seniors stay regular and adding calcium and Vitamin D to help maintain bone health are ways to help seniors get their nutritional needs met and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

     For more information and tips on senior nutrition, contact Leann at Monticello Nursing and Rehab at 319-465-5415.