Senior Nutrition Guide   https://www.caring.com/caregivers/nutrition-guide-for-seniors/

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Nutrition is a vital part of health, especially for seniors. A well-balanced and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy or another ample source of calcium can ensure that seniors have the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats they need for their bodies to function as efficiently as possible. Furthermore, eating healthily can go a long way in preventing illness, particularly diseases that are more common as people age such as osteoporosis, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

In this guide, you can learn more about the unique nutritional needs of seniors, as well as some of the common challenges older adults face when it comes to eating healthily. It includes tips for planning a healthy diet and information about special dietary accommodations provided in senior living facilities. You’ll also find valuable food safety information for seniors, as well as resources to help older adults access the nutritious foods they need.

Unique Nutritional Challenges Among Seniors
Staying healthy and eating a balanced diet can be challenging for aging populations for a variety of reasons. For some, the aging process alone can reduce the appetite, while others face challenges that diminish their ability to stay healthy. Problems with access to healthy food that stem from income and geography make it even harder for some seniors to maintain a balanced diet and consume the nutrients they need. Health conditions, medications and lifestyle choices can also negatively affect appetite, as well as absorption of the nutrients that help seniors maintain their health and stave off illnesses.

Some of the more common barriers to healthy eating faced by seniors are outlined below.

Income and Cost of Food
According to data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average senior has an income of just over $47,357 per year. Income sources vary among seniors, with those on the higher end of the spectrum relying on savings and pensions, and those on the lower end relying on Social Security benefits.

Experts claim that a comfortable retirement requires at least 10 times a senior’s annual income put aside in savings and/or investments, which means that seniors should have a net worth of more than $500,000 by the time they retire. However, the average American aged 65 to 75 has a median net worth of just $266,400, which leaves a lot of seniors lacking when it comes to an adequate retirement income.

With seemingly endless increases in food costs, it’s becoming more difficult for seniors across the United States to access the food they need. According to the National Council on Aging, more than 5.2 million U.S. seniors have faced food insecurity since 2019 and while more recent data is limited, it’s assumed that this number has increased substantially in the years since as a result of major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geographic Isolation
Living in remote, rural areas can make it difficult for seniors to regularly access healthy food. A lack of grocery stores and farmers markets nearby can make it difficult for seniors — especially those with mobility concerns — to shop regularly, which often results in selecting frozen or non-perishable items over fresh foods.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the COVID-19 pandemic further isolated seniors living in remote areas across the country, making it more difficult than ever for rural seniors to combat food insecurities. In 2021, the USDA increased funding substantially for programs that provide fresh and healthy food to those who aren’t able to access groceries due to remote living.

Reduced Appetite
Older adults often struggle with appetite, most often because of underlying and undiagnosed physical or mental health conditions. When this happens, it can be difficult for seniors to consume enough nutrients to maintain optimal health. Unfortunately, thousands of seniors in the United States are living with anorexia nervosa, which is most commonly induced by a reduction in appetite instead of body dysmorphia, which is typically the reason adolescents and young adults become anorexic. Unfortunately, data indicates that most anorexia-related deaths in the United States occur in the elderly, with 12% in those aged 65 to 74 and 28% in seniors aged 85 and older.

It’s important to note that issues with your appetite should always be discussed with a healthcare practitioner, who can diagnose any conditions that may be causing the problem, as well as provide proper nutritional guidance.

Addictions
Thankfully, the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse among seniors is relatively low; however, that doesn’t mean this vulnerable population is entirely unaffected by addiction.

Those who struggle with an addiction to alcohol, prescription medications or illicit drugs frequently face dietary issues. This can include the malabsorption of nutrients or a lack of appetite for the healthy and nutritious food their bodies need. While rehabilitation can help, most seniors require the support of an experienced nutritionist during recovery to ensure they make the necessary changes to their diet and improve their overall health.

Oral Health Problems
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 68% of adults aged 65 and older have gum disease, whereas 13% deal with complete tooth loss. Related pain and discomfort, as well as a lack of strength in the teeth and jaw, can make it difficult for seniors to chew fruits and vegetables with tough skins, protein and other foods that are an important part of a complete diet.

Medication Side Effects
Many medications can affect appetite and because most older adults are taking at least one prescription drug, it’s not uncommon for seniors to experience appetite loss as a result of medication side effects. Some of the most common medications that cause appetite loss in seniors are:

Antibiotics
Antifungals
Antivirals
Muscle relaxants
Thyroid regulators
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Heart medications
Diuretics
Mood stimulators
Chemotherapy and radiation
Appetite loss due to medication side effects can be difficult to manage. In some cases, seniors may need to speak to their healthcare provider about making dosage adjustments to enable them to eat enough calories in a day. However, when that’s not possible, it’s important for seniors to eat a full, well-balanced meal before taking their medication and enjoy snacks throughout the day whenever they feel able.

Health Conditions
Unfortunately, seniors frequently experience health conditions of varying severity. Many of these can result in reduced appetite and cause issues that may make it difficult to eat. These issues can include symptoms such as decreased saliva production, slow gastric emptying, constipation and nausea.

Additionally, the senses of taste, smell and vision are important parts of the eating process, and seniors who live with conditions that affect these senses may struggle to enjoy their food in the same way they used to.

When the body isn’t functioning properly due to any underlying health condition, it can result in a reduced appetite, nausea and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Nutrition Tips for Older Adults
Nutrition Tips for Older Adults
The importance of a healthy diet in seniors can’t be overstated, and those

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