For most of us, there’s nothing quite like a good, hearty meal – intoxicating smells, mouthwatering flavors, and the satisfying feeling of a full belly. As we age though, a variety of health complications can hinder us in enjoying meals or even in the ability to shop for nourishing foods, which can contribute to malnourishment in many instances. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has several solutions to some of the most prevalent senior dietary problems, including:
Digestive issues: Acid reflux, excessive gas, and various other GI problems may cause older adults to cut out foods they think are causing the digestive complications. However, this may cause a deficiency in essential nutrients, like fiber, vitamins, protein, and calcium, leading to more senior dietary problems. The FDA suggests:
- Exchange fresh fruit with soft canned fruits or fruit juice.
- Try vegetable juices, carrots and potatoes, which are easier to digest, instead of vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli.
- Try dairy foods other than milk which may not upset the stomach, such as cream soups, pudding, cheese, or yogurt.
Difficulties chewing: Older adults who struggle with chewing face particular issues eating foods like fresh vegetables, meats, and fruits. The FDA proposes the following replacements:
- Substitute fresh fruit for applesauce, canned fruit, or fruit juice.
- Instead of large cuts of meat, try ground meat, eggs, cheese, yogurt, milk, and other dairy products.
- Vegetable juices and cooked or mashed vegetables can be a great alternative to raw vegetables.
- Rather than sliced bread, choose bread pudding, rice, soft cookies, or cooked cereals.
Inability to cook: Cognitive issues from problems like dementia may make cooking, managing kitchen utensils, or standing for long periods of time a challenge. In the event that inability to cook is a problem:
- Use a microwave to warm up frozen dinners as well as other frozen foods or meals that are prepackaged at the store.
- Request help from a local program such as Meals on Wheels. If you are unsure of local meal preparation options for seniors, contact us for suggestions.
Shopping struggles: If older adults no longer drive or have experienced mobility struggles as they’ve aged, shopping for themselves may become a challenge. When the inability to shop for groceries becomes a senior nutrition obstacle, the FDA suggests:
- Working with a professional senior care company, such as Compassionate Care Home Health Services, for grocery shopping assistance.
- Signing up for a grocery delivery service.
- Requesting volunteer shopping assistance from a nearby church, synagogue or volunteer center.
- Getting help from a friend or family member.
Loss of appetite: Older individuals who live independently can feel lonesome at mealtimes, which can lead to diminished appetite. They might also not feel like preparing a meal for just themselves, or medications they are taking could be affecting the way the food tastes. For issues like these, the FDA recommends:
- Eating meals with loved ones if possible.
- Taking part in group meal programs provided through local senior centers.
- Contacting a local home care agency, like Compassionate Care Home Health Services, for a companion to both prepare meals and make mealtime more social.
- Talking to the physician about whether medications could be causing a problem.
Avoiding senior dietary problems and maintaining good nutrition is very important. If a senior family member is struggling to overcome age-related nutrition obstacles, contact the home care team at Compassionate Care Home Health Services. We are able to provide tips and community connections to improve senior nutrition.
Reach out to us online or at 877-308-1212 for more information on our senior care services in Cadillac, Saginaw, West Branch, and the surrounding areas.