Health & Fitness
Senior Nutrition: Making positive lifestyle changes
The first step to preventing poor nutritional health is to recognize and be aware of changes as we age.
As we age, our nutrition requirements change. At the same time, lifestyle and physical changes can create barriers to healthy eating that can creep up on us before we know it. The first step to preventing poor nutritional health is to recognize and be aware of these changes.
Physical changes
- Metabolism. Every year over the age of 40, your metabolism slow down. You can’t eat as much as when you were younger or more physically active and remain at the same weight.
- Weakened senses. Taste and smell senses diminish with age. You may be inclined to salt your food more heavily than before. You retain the ability to taste sweet foods longest, and may overindulge in sugary foods and snacks that are more appealing.
- Medications and illness. Some prescription medications and health problems can often negatively influence appetite and may also affect taste, leading seniors to add too much salt or sugar to their food.
- Digestion. Your digestive system slows down as you age. You generate less saliva and stomach acid as you get older, making it more difficult for your body to process certain vitamins and minerals.
- Loneliness and depression. Loneliness and depression affect your diet. Feeling down can lead to a lack of appetite for some people. For others, it may trigger overeating.
- Death or divorce. Newly single seniors may not know how to cook or may not feel like cooking for just one person.
Stuck in a rut. Eating the same foods, even healthy choices, is bound to get boring. Find inspiration by browsing produce at a farmers market, reading recipes in magazines and online, swapping recipes with friends, buying foods or spices you haven’t tried before.
Make every meal “do-able.” Keep healthy eating simple and you’ll stick with it. Stocking the pantry and fridge with wholesome choices will make it easier to prepare quick, tasty meals.
Set the right mealtime mood. Set the table, light candles, play music, or eat outside or by a window. Tidying yourself and your space will help you enjoy the moment. If you eat watching TV, try eating while reading or use the time to catch up with a family member or a friend. If you eat at the counter, set the table instead.
Don’t eat alone. Eating with others can be as important as adding vitamins to your diet. When you enjoy mealtimes, you’re more likely to eat better. If you live alone, eating with company will take some strategizing, but the effort will pay off. Invite grandchildren or other young relatives, friends and neighbors to eat with you on a regular basis. Become more social by volunteering or taking a class, which can lead to new friends and dining opportunities. Take advantage of senior meal programs at a local senior center, YMCA, place of worship, or even culinary schools.
Ask for help. Admit when you need a hand to shop, cook, and plan meals and find someone to help. It’s important for your health not to revert to frozen dinners or takeout food. Take advantage of grocery stores that offer home delivery. Consider finding someone who can help with shopping, meal preparation and clean up. These are services that be provided through a home care agency such as InTouch At Home. It’s not self-indulgent; it’s a smart investment in your health.
About InTouch at Home
InTouch at Home is a Senior Resource Group, LLC (SRG) company. Serving the needs of seniors and their families for more than 20 years, SRG delivers on the promise of exceptional service and quality care each and every day through its 18 communities including La Vida Real (Rancho San Diego) and La Vida Del Mar. Now through InTouch at Home, this same outstanding care and service is available to you in your home, wherever it may be. For more information, call 858-522-9942 or visit www.InTouch-at-Home.com.
Copyright © 2013 by InTouch At Home
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