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Elderly Nutrition Problems

The nutrition the elderly need is often difficult to get.

Certainly, taking vitamins and supplements can help. And a balanced diet plan is a must. Nutritious recipes for cooking can help. We know all these things, at least in the back of our minds. But the consequences of not getting enough high nutrition foods is very serious.

Proper elderly nutrition and eating habits are crucial to maintain quality of life: control blood sugar levels to avoid diabetes, maintain good vision, a positive mood, good sleep, better eyesight, energy, bone and muscle strength, digestion, good elimination, etc. These are severely affected with poor diet, causing sometimes serious elderly nutrition problems.

Elderly nutrition problems are an important concern for health officials -- the Centers for Disease Control estimate that by 2030 the U.S. population will double, to about 71 million older adults. That is about one in every five people. We are, as they say, on the "brink of a longevity revolution." It is crucial that we focus on a healthy lifestyle, and nutrition tops the list.

In 2000 the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion did a nutritional study on elderly people. The average age was 72.3 years old, with 48% men and 52% women. The outcome is quoted below:

    "Food intake was measured by collecting a 24-hour dietary recall. Food insufficient older people had significantly lower mean intake of calories and the macro nutrients:protein, fat and carbohydrate. They also had lower mean intake of some B vitamins (thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folacin, vitamin B12) and the minerals: iron and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are important to the immune system and cognitive function. Therefore, individuals deficient in these vitamins and minerals may be more prone to infections and may be at higher risk of chronic diseases and cognitive dysfunction. Analysis of food group intake indicated that food insufficient people ate significantly fewer servings of meat and vegetables, and had a significantly lower variety of foods eaten.”

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) studies also say that of Americans over age 65, malnutrition and obesity are common. In fact, the studies indicate that if the elderly receive what is known as "nutritional intervention," many diseases could be prevented. Intervention studies indicate that malnutrition is a major reason for hospitalization for the elderly.

As we age have the same Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) as when we were young, with Vitamins D, B6, and calcium as exceptions. Yet the elderly don't need as many calories. So with less calories, often these needed nutrients are not obtained. Women need even fewer calories, so can have even a more difficult time. It is evident that highly nutritious foods with lower calories are vital, and a wide variety of foods in moderate portions. But many elderly enjoy comfort food and snacking -- often their choices are not healthy. Healthy elderly nutrition snacks are an important means of getting those nutrient-dense foods.

Food Stamps can assist the elderly in obtaining healthy groceries, yet according to the U.S. government, very few participate because of lack of information about the program and as importantly, about nutritional need. They do not perceive that there is an elderly nutrition problem. Many elderly also perceive a negative stigma attached to Food Stamps.

There are other elderly nutrition problems, however. They're serious, sometimes subtle elderly dietary problems are from changes in eating patterns. And we need to get to the root of it, as they pose a real health threat. There are many reasons for poor eating, like the inability to grocery shop, poor digestion, chewing difficulties, poor appetite. Loved ones may pick at food, or even forget to eat.

There are also specialty concerns, such as diabetes. And if your loved one has any kind of serious vision loss, there is a special recommended nutrition for eyes that you should know about. It's particularly for vision and macular degeneration nutrition.

No doubt a number of preventative measures can assist in elderly heath besides good nutrition. Also important are regular exercise (which aids in all body functions including digestion), quitting tobacco products, and getting regular preventative medical check-ups, including for dementia screening (dementia greatly impacts eating and nutrition), and depression. Other issues can occur with elderly nutritition food safety as well.

An important consideration which I personally have used for years, -- Goat milk products have special properties that can help provide proper nutrition for the elderly. You can read more about this topic at a web site called Everything Goat Milk; see Elderly Nutrition and Goat Milk

The Centers for Disease Control state that although there is, of course, a higher possibility of poor health as we age, it is not an inevitable consequence. Follow our link below and learn more about elderly nutrition and what you can do.


See Healthy Recipes on our web site:

Easy Healthy Recipes -- Our "recipe central," with lots of great recipes and links within our site to take you to more healthy recipes you might like to find out more about.

Healthy Snack Recipes -- Especially important for those with elderly nutrition problems. Learn lots of easy and nutritious recipes.

Delicious Healthy Dessert Recipes -- Something for almost everyone, including those with sugar, carb, and fat restrictions. Learn new recipes and ideas for sweetening the healthy way.

Our Share Your Recipe Forums -- Where our readers have shared their own recipes right on our web site. You can too -- I can guarantee our readers would love to hear from you!!
Share Your Healthy Desserts, Forum.
More Healthy Snack Recipes – From You, Forum.

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