Diet needs of the Aging

There are many rewards for taking care of ourselves as we age. Two major reasons would be to have more energy to do the things that bring you pleasure, and also to lower your medical costs. The most important reason though is to maintain your independence for as long as possible. When you have your health you have everything. So much has been written on the subject of nutrition, but it warrants repeating over and over again. Assessing the diet of older adults is especially important for identifying issues relevant to their health and nutritional status. Far too many people over the age of 65 are considered malnourished. So many times just a few adjustments or interventions can reduce or eliminate the problem. There is little difference between the nutritional needs of older and younger populations, but some special considerations need to be emphasized. Caloric needs decline with age because of a decrease in basal metabolism related to the loss of lean tissue and a decrease in physical activity. Unfortunately, as we age, our senses of smell and taste aren`t as sharp as they were when we were younger, so consequently our diets suffer. Other factors, including social, economic and lifestyle situations, as well as the capacity to function, all play important roles in consuming the proper foods. Growing older is often associated with frailty, sickness, and a loss of vitality. Even though some aging members of our society do experience chronic illness and the associated disabilities, many times assessing the quality of their diet can identify issues relevant to the person`s health status. It doesn`t take very long for an aging person to get into trouble medically once the diet starts to deviate from what his or her body needs. The ticket to maintaining independence and quality of life can be achieved in a healthful lifestyle that combines an adequate intake of essential nutrients with regular physical activity. Some simple suggestions might be: • Keep cupboards and refrigerator stocked with milk, eggs, whole-grain bread and tortillas, whole-grain pita bread, canned beans, jars of spaghetti sauce, rice, whole-grain pasta or noodle, potatoes, onions, canned soups and broth, cooking oil and frozen vegetables. • Keep fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt or cheese and popcorn on hand for easy-to-grab snacks. • Simplify cooking and clean-up. If you already have a heart or a metabolic condition, such as diabetes, it may be difficult for you to single-handedly mange the details of a complicated diet. Consider taking meal preparation classes, consulting with a health and wellness coach to help you change your eating habits, or even having a caregiver who is well versed in meal preparation for special conditions prepare your meals for you. A communal-type dining facility might seem like an even more attractive option. Just a little bit of cooperation with your body can go a long way to maintaining your mental status, your health, your independence and your satisfaction with life. Don`t torture yourself with malnutrition. The consequences of doing so are not worth the price you have to pay.