When we were younger, it really didn’t matter if we’re eating right, just as long as we burn those stubborn fats and maintain our sexy figures. However, as we get older, good nutrition becomes our bestfriend in fighting off age-related factors which more often than not, get in our way of living.
Good nutrition is maintaining a healthy diet. This practice, in return, will give you many health benefits such as high energy, mental sharpness, resistance to infection, faster recovery from illnesses, operations and fractures, improved medication absorption and better management of health troubles. It will also help us stay emotionally balanced with a more positive outlook in life.
It is highly recommended for seniors to maintain good nutrition no matter what our circumstances are. A healthy diet will improve our quality of life resulting to better mobility and independence; two factors that are essential in seniors’ life. We can achieve this through education and community support which includes our family, friends and senior assistance programs developed by our local government.
However, there are obstacles which prevent seniors from achieving good nutrition. Some of these known factors are lifestyle changes, mobility, metabolism, appetite, health issues, digestion and emotional manifestations. These factors are most prevalent during later years of seniors’ life and most of the time, due to these unavoidable circumstances, seniors are compelled to choose unhealthy eating than be bothered with preparing a healthy meal.
Seniors should know that there are ways to healthy diet even if we are plagued with these obstacles from time to time. We just have to be resourceful and quite focus in getting all the nutrients we need in order to live a healthy life. I heard that there are seniors having trouble chewing and swallowing, hence they consume mostly liquids. If you need to do this, try to incorporate some nutrients to your liquids like fiber and protein. You can try fresh fruit juices, or mashed vegetables, milk and tasty soups. For your carbohydrates, eat soft bread and melt-in-your-mouth crackers.
If mobility is your problem like walking, driving and standing up, explore other means on how your groceries can reach your home rather than you going out for them. Some groceries offer delivery services for people who cannot make it to the store to shop, either by placing a call or ordering online. Your own favorite local deli can also do you favors especially if you are a valued customer. Ask a family member to do the shopping for you or if they are too busy to do this task, hire someone. If all else fails, sign up for local volunteer center that can visit and check on you from time to time. Sometimes, rather than engulfing yourself into mounds of self pity, it is much better to move into an assisted facility and let them do all the dirty work for you. It will save you time and energy than doing it yourself.
In case you lack appetite, I suggest you examine the problem closely so you can arrive into a much effective solution. This problem can stem from emotional on-goings right to the medications you are taking. If you feel sad and alone while you eat; eat with your friends. If it’s because of the medicines you are currently taking; ask your doctor about it and request him to change your medicines. For lack of taste, increase flavor by infusing stronger flavor and herbs.
Seniors should choose foods that are flavorful, low in fat and sodium, simple to prepare and high in fiber. Calcium should also be taken in consideration at all times since the bones get denser overtime. Learn to read labels and nutritional facts located at the back of product bottles. You should also pick healthier foods rather than plain and simple ones and don’t forget to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated.
