The Importance of Good Nutrition for Seniors
Eating healthy can be difficult even under the best of circumstances. In a world awash with fast food and unhealthy processed foods, spending the time, money, and energy to prepare or obtain nutritious meals is often challenging.
For seniors, maintaining healthy eating habits is often even harder. As a group, seniors are more likely to experience challenges such as reduced mobility or lack of transportation, health problems that may reduce their energy or appetite, changes in their financial situation that make it harder to afford nutritious foods, and more. As a result of one or more of these factors, it's not uncommon for seniors to suffer from malnutrition or food insecurity.
Nutritional Needs for Seniors
However, good nutrition during your golden years is an essential part of being able to stay healthy and independent as you age. A poor diet can increase the odds of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, for which seniors are already at a higher risk. A healthy diet for seniors is also important for maintaining muscle mass and bone density, both of which decrease naturally as you grow older.
What's more, it's not uncommon for older adults' appetites or caloric needs to decrease as they age due to changes in metabolism, lifestyle, or medication. Since many seniors are consuming less food overall, it's all the more crucial that the food they do eat is nutrient-dense. This is particularly true for individuals who are on medications that may affect their ability to absorb certain nutrients.
Senior Nutrition Guidelines
For personalized dietary guidance, seniors should consult with a doctor or registered dietitian who can advise them on the best diet for their particular situation and needs. However, for seniors without complex medical issues or pharmacological interactions, the following tips are a good starting point for a healthy diet:
A balanced diet is one made up of colorful, whole foods. Try to avoid processed and packaged foods, and instead focus on nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Low-fat dairy and lean protein will help you maintain (or even increase) muscle mass and bone density, while also keeping your cholesterol in check.
In particular, be mindful of your intake of fiber, B vitamins, calcium, and vitamin D. These are some of the most common nutrient deficiencies for older adults.
Stay hydrated. Sense of thirst tends to decrease as we age, which means that seniors are often at a higher risk for dehydration.
Maintaining a healthy diet for seniors can be difficult, which is why PACE of Southwest Michigan offers personalized nutrition services to our clients.
PACE of SWMI's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.