How To Assist Seniors With Their Nutritional Needs

There are a multitude of different situations that impact on the relationship between seniors and their nutrition needs. Simple things that most people take for granted can become increasingly detrimental to seniors.The following tips may assist in some way to give seniors a few ideas for nutritional stability and help with their quality of life.

Too much gas and other stomach problems may cause seniors to stay away from foods they think are causing the problem. This means they could be missing out on important nutrients, such as vitamins, calcium, fiber, and protein. If you suspect that milk is the cause of the problem, try milk foods that may not bother you, such as cream soups, pudding, yogurt, and cheese. If vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli affect you, try vegetable juices and other vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and potatoes. Likewise, if fresh fruit affects you adversely, try fruit juices and soft canned fruits

Seniors may have problems shopping for food, can't drive anymore and may have trouble walking or standing for a long time.They can try to ask the local food store to bring groceries to their home. Some stores deliver free but sometimes there is a charge so be sure to ask.They can ask their church or synagogue for volunteer help or sign up for help with a local volunteer center.

Asking a family member or neighbor to shop for them is another alternative as well as paying someone to do it for them. Some companies let you hire home health workers for a few hours a week. These workers may shop for you, and do other things. Look for these companies in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Home Health Services."

The elderly may have problems with cooking their own food. It may be hard for them to hold cooking utensils and pots and pans or they may have trouble standing for long periods of time.They can use a microwave oven to cook TV dinners, other frozen foods, and foods made up ahead of time by the store. They can try to take part in group meal programs, offered through senior citizen programs or have meals brought to their home. Moving to a place where someone else will cook, such as a family member's home or a home for senior citizens is also an option.

Seniors who live alone sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes. This feeling can make them lose their appetite or they may not feel like making meals for just themselves. Perhaps their food has no flavor or doesn't taste good.They can of course try to eat with family and friends or take part in group meal programs, offered through senior citizen programs.They should also ask their doctor if any medicines they are taking could be causing appetite or taste problems. If so, ask about changing medicines.They can learn to increase the flavor of food by adding spices and herbs.

Not having enough money to buy enough food can keep them from eating well. Buying low-cost food, such as dried beans and peas, rice, and pasta or buying food that contain items, such as split pea soup, canned beans, and rice is an option.Try to use discount coupons for money off on foods you like as well as buying foods when they are on sale.

Store brands are a good option because they are cheaper in price but do not lose anything in the quality of the product.Find out if your local church or synagogue offers free or low-cost meals.Get food stamps. Call the food stamp office listed under your county government in the blue pages of the phone book.

Be sure to read the food labels for information on the nutritional value of the contents.Most food labels tell what kinds and amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, and other nutrients are in food.Look for words that say something healthy about the food. Examples are: "Low Fat," "Cholesterol Free," and "Good Source of Fiber."

Be sure to look at the serving size and find the % Daily Value. The numbers underneath tell you how much of each nutrient listed is in one serving. About 100% of each nutrient every day is usually healthy and if you're on a special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-fat diet, use the % numbers to pick low-sodium and low-fat food.

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Additional Senior health related articles may be found at the information resources center.

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