Senior Nutrition Tips

As we age, our relationship to food changes along with our bodies. In later life, eating well can be the key to staying mentally sharp, emotionally balanced and energetic, with a strong immune system and a positive outlook. Numerous benefits of a healthy diet and proper nutrition include increased mental acuteness; resistance to illness and disease; higher energy levels; a more robust immune system; faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems.

Obstacles to Proper Senior Nutrition

Lifestyle changes - Newly single seniors may not know how to cook or may not feel like cooking for one. People on limited budgets might have trouble affording a balanced, healthy diet. See the resources below for suggestions on cooking for one and easy, healthy menu selections.
Activity level - Seniors often cut back on activity for physical and medical reasons. Weight gain can result from the decrease in calories burned.
Metabolism - Every year over the age of forty, our metabolism slows. This means that even if you continue to eat the same amount and kinds of food as when you were younger, you’re likely to gain weight because you’re burning fewer calories. In addition, you may be less physically active now.
Taste and appetite - Your senses of taste and smell diminish, so you may be inclined to season your food more heavily than before-although seniors need less salt than younger people do. You may struggle with loss of appetite due to lifestyle, loneliness or a medical condition.
Health issues - Physical ailments and prescription medications often negatively influence appetite. Talk to your doctor about overcoming side effects of medication or specific physical conditions.
Digestion - Due to changes in your digestive system, you generate less saliva and stomach acid as you get older. This makes it more difficult for your body to process certain vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain mental alertness, a keen memory and good circulation.
Emotional factors - Emotional factors such as loneliness and depression can affect your diet. For some, feeling down leads to not eating and in others it may trigger overeating.

Nutritional recommendations for Seniors

Reduce sodium (salt) to help prevent water retention and high blood pressure
Monitor fat intake in order to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Consume more calcium and vitamin D for bone health
Eat more fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation
Cut back on sugar and on dry foods
Make sure you get the recommended amount of important vitamins and minerals
Increase your water intake
Participate in regular physical activity

For more information on healthy senior nutrition and meal planning, the Lola & Saul Kramer Senior Services Agency presents a monthly Lunch & Learn Series on the Marilyn & Stanley M. Katz Seniors Campus. For $5.00, participants receive a full lunch, cooking demonstration and nutritional lecture. Tours of the campus are also available. Seating is limited and reservations are required. To learn more about the programs and services available through the Kramer Agency or to make Lunch & Learn reservations please call (561) 616-0707.

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