NUTRITION FOR THE ELDERLY

Old Folks are Worth a Fortune! Remember, old folks are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet and gas in their stomachs.

Dietary Quality… Dietary quality plays a major role in preventing or delaying the onset of chronic diseases. Older persons living in poverty are not as likely to have a healthy diet.

Energy: Spending Calories Wisely... Most elderly use less energy or calories. Most need about 1,600 calories daily but still need the same amount of nutrients Choose nutrient-dense food No more than 30% of calories from fat. Most energy should be obtained from complex carbohydrates.

Exercise The elderly can benefit from physical activity including walking and simple weight bearing exercises Illnesses and disease may prevent the elderly from participating in any physical activity

Protein: An Issue for Some... Elderly may have a problem chewing protein-rich food and some may have a problem digesting protein food. Because of Limited- income might avoid protein foods like meat, poultry or fish because they often cost more than many other foods.

Calcium: As Important As Ever... Calcium needs increase by 20% Men and women need 1,200 mg calcium daily. Risk for osteoporosis goes up with age. Many elderly don’t consume enough calcium-rich foods Many elderly don’t get enough weight- bearing exercise like walking or strength training

Problem: Eating Fewer Than Two Meals a Day Elderly who live alone lack the desire to prepare a meal for just one person. Because of diminished taste buds some may not want to eat because food does not taste good As we age fewer calories are needed but we still need same amount of (if not more) protein, vitamins and minerals.

Thirst-Quenchers...Drink Fluids Adults use up abut 2 ½ quarts of fluids a day. Thirst is body’s signal to drink more. With age, sense of thirst diminishes so the elderly may not be able to count on thirst as a reminder to drink fluids. As we age, kidneys do not conserve fluids as they once did. Elderly may deliberately avoid fluids. Less fluids – chances of constipation rises

Problem: change in the kind and or amount of food eaten because of illness. Ask doctor if illness or medications taken each day make it hard to eat the foods needed. Eat six small meals instead of three large ones. Eat snacks between meals or before bed time. Read food labels. Keep food fixed and easily available.

Problem: Tooth or Mouth Problems Can Make It Hard to Eat Changing the kind of food eaten can sometimes help. What to do: Eat food that is easy-to-chew. Chop or grind food. Add gravy or sauce to make it moist. Eat thick soups, fruit smoothies and milkshakes. Use medical nutritional products. Eat hot cereals.

The Elderly Various physical and mental challenges may limit ability to purchase and prepare foods. Taste sensations and smells are less sensitive Low sodium and low-fat diets are common Malnutrition is a concern. Many health concerns and diseases of aging affect eating habits and food choices.

The Elderly Food assistance programs are available to help feed the elderly.