Eating Well as You Age
No matter what stage of life you’re at, eating a well balanced diet takes some planning, commitment and attention to what you’re fueling your body with. The thing is proper nutrition is especially critical at the beginning and end of our lives–and just like babies look to their mother’s to provide them with what they need to thrive, elderly people are often dependent on caregivers (either professionals or family members) to help make sure they’re eating well. Proper nutrition for as you age helps to safeguard against some of the common symptoms and conditions that come with aging, from depression to bone density loss.
There are a variety of unique challenges that elderly patients face when it comes to getting a balanced diet. First off, as people age our appetites often diminish and tastes that were once vivid began to fade. This means that older people experience less hunger and find less foods appealing. “As people age, they experience a decreased ability to smell and to taste. According to Susan Schiffman, PhD, of Duke University Medical Center, people begin to experience diminished sensations of taste and smell around the age of 60, and this trend worsens and becomes more pronounced by the time people reach their 70s. Certain medical conditions, medications, and a lack of certain nutrients can all contribute to decreased senses of smell and taste.” Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/nutrition/when-food-doesnt-taste-good#ixzz0oz9R3V5r
The physical shifts in our interaction with foods isn’t the only challenge seniors face when it comes to eating a well balanced diet. Consider also some of the obstacles common to all of us trying to eat well that are magnified for seniors: from the challenges of navigating ever-changing and more complicated food labels and grocery stores, to preparing food, to staying within a budget. Here’s a great article about navigating some of the common challenges: http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/Information/item/Overcoming+Obstacles+of+Eating+as+a+Sen?archiveChannel=Home/Article&clicked=true
Are you caring for an aging family member? I’d love to hear what your unique challenges are when it comes to diet. Please comment below.
