This article was originally published by Tapinto.net
I love a big, juicy burger.
I want one with a side of heavily seasoned fries and a tall, icy soda.
Who doesn’t want to indulge in a savory meal like this every day?
Across generations, we all can find comfort in food like this. As I make my rounds in the dining room at work, I always spot older adults enjoying the week’s menu offerings – specifically the hearty, comforting choices. But sometimes, because I see the same folks day in and day out, I’ll notice a resident will be selecting the indulgent choices at every meal. And as tempting and familiar as it can be to reach for these choices, we should be making balanced choices at mealtime – no matter how set our habits are or how old we are.
In the rewarding field of senior living, I often come across residents through my work as a dietitian, who don’t know where to begin when it comes to caring for their nutrition. Realistically, adults over 65 years of age who are not focusing on incorporating individualized nutrition plans into their diets are putting themselves at risk for conditions such as memory loss, decreased mobility and even chronic disease. Cleveland Clinic recently published an article, “Nutrition for Older Adults: Why Eating Well Matters as You Age,” which discusses how health conversations regarding older adults tend to overlook senior nutrition.
Navigating The Culinary Crossroads
Many older adults can get overwhelmed with the discussion surrounding smart food choices. This is a result of our eating habits changing as we grow older. There are a variety of nutritional challenges older adults may face as they age due to a decline in the number of physiological functions accessible to them, that can impact their nutritional status.
One of the foremost and commonly unknown challenges that older adults face is insufficient protein intake. Whether living in an older adult community or living independently, many struggle to meet their daily protein requirements. As a result, The National Institution on Aging recommends older adults try incorporating seafood, dairy or fortified soy products such as peas and lentils into their meals.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is another common issue, often requiring supplementation or dietary modifications. An easy fix would be to incorporate breakfast cereals into your diet or discuss a B12 supplement with your doctor.
As we age, the sensation of thirst tends to diminish. To maintain hydration levels, consider incorporating hydrating fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, pineapple and lettuce into your diet, particularly on days when your water intake is low.
Personalized Nutrition Plans
When planning meals for older adults, it is essential to customize them according to individual requirements. I strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) for individuals 60 and above, recently published as part of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Additionally, MyPlate serves as a valuable resource and fantastic visual guide, emphasizing a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. Keep in mind that each meal presents an opportunity to create a balanced plate, ensuring a variety of nutrients with each bite.
It’s crucial to recognize that every meal plan is tailored to specific needs and preferences, which may differ from those of your partner, friends, family or colleagues. Avoid comparing your nutritional journey to others and focus on meeting your individual goals.
Leveraging Resources for Reliable Information
For those seeking reliable nutrition information, I recommend reaching out to local dietitians, often available through local hospitals and covered by insurance. Additionally, I cannot emphasize enough the value of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Their reports are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of older adults, making them highly accessible and user-friendly.
As I continue to interact with residents during meals, I will acknowledge the importance of nutrition and promote individuals to actively engage in practices that promote wellness. I’ll recommend getting the burger – it’s a great source of protein and fine in moderation! – but swap the fries for a side salad. Remember, it’s not too late for you! Every meal is a chance to nourish not just the body but the journey of life itself.
Insights from the Dietitian at Fellowship Village, a premier FellowshipLIFE Life Plan community in Basking Ridge, NJ, on how to refocus and prioritize our nutritional needs.
