NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SENIORS CITIZENS

Introduction

Good nutrition for elderly can help reduce certain health related problems amongelderly members like osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even afew forms of cancer. Proper nutrition and healthy living can improve appearance,strength, balance, mobility, and overall mood. Reports from various sourcesindicate that a large population of elderly members are unable to meet the energyand nutrient requirement as they fail to get the correct amount and type of food. Infact it has been calculated that 60% of the hospitalized older adults (over the age of65) suffer from malnutrition. By 2030, Americans aged 65 and older will reach anapproximate figure of 75 million, comprising nearly about 20% of the U.S.population. Here we will discuss some key nutritional facts for seniors in order toprevent malnutrition and encourage a better life.

Focus On Essential Nutrients

Vitamins and minerals are highlyessential for seniors to maintain aproper health as they start aging.Metabolism rates among aged people ismuch slower as they lose their ability toabsorb certain vitamins and minerals.Hence, it is vital for seniors to have anutrition-dense diet with a focus on keynutrients which are commonly deficientamong them. Fresh fruits, vegetables,whole grains, and lean protein areconsidered as good nutrition for healthyaging.

Avoid Junk Foods & Aim For Variety

Saturated fats and trans fats which comesfrom junk and processed foods should beavoided at all cost. Senior membersshould incorporate a diversity of food intheir diet in order to provide the bodywith a variety of nutrition. It is essential tohave good sources of iron, protein,healthy fats and calcium each day. Meats,fruits and vegetables helps to keep ahealthy body by providing a wide array ofnutrients.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is one of the major risk forsenior citizens as it leads to disorientation,confusion and unhealthy changes in bloodpressure. No matter how good a diet isbeing maintained, without proper intakeof water it is hard to maintain a healthybody and mind. According to NationalInstitute of Health it is recommended forseniors to intake at least 8 glasses (8 oz.each) of water each day.

Vitamin-rich Foods For Seniors

• Vitamin B (6 and 12): Smoked salmon, feta cheese and/or sunflower seeds

• Vitamin C: Broccoli, red bell pepper, sprouts, papaya.

• Vitamin D: Get outside in the sunshine, take fish oil supplements and/or eat soy products like tofu or soy milk

• Calcium: Dark leafy greens, cheese and/or yogurt

• Magnesium: Leafy greens, nuts and seeds and/or avocado

• Potassium: Bananas, beans and/or squash

Conclusion

As people age they face difficulty in eating and sometimes prefer homogenous diets which decreases their source of good nutrition. Elders often have trouble chewing fresh fruit and so they can look for alternative fruit juices, soft canned fruits, apple-sauce, etc. Reports from The American Dietetic Association shows that senior members intake only a third of the nutritional requirements that their bodies actually need, which actually diminishes their quality of life. A lot of thinking goes into when it comes to maintain and prepare healthy diets for seniors and yet we have to keep in mind that every situation is going to be different based on health, taste and living conditions of each individual.

Contact Us

If you want to have Professional Dieticians prepare a healthy diet for your elderlymembers and Licensed Practical Nurses provide professional assistance in a home-like assisted living center then reach us at:

Call: (405) 306-2605

Website: www.redhavencarehomes.com

Email: redhavencare@gmail.com

Address:

• 6900 Northwest 129th StreetOklahoma City, OK, 73142

• 6916 Northwest 129th StreetOklahoma City, OK, 73142