Foodborne illnesses are physical conditions and illnesses you are most likely to get when you consume bacteria, virus, or parasite-contaminated food. These conditions are also called as food poisoning although symptoms are not always similar to that of a person being poisoned. However, seniors, being the immune-impaired, must always make sure that the food they eat is safe for them.

As you age, your body may find it hard to fight bacteria inside your body, even your sensitivity to certain types of food may now be heightened. Notice how you develop new food allergies or reactions to certain food groups when 5 or so years back, you eat them without a moment’s hesitation. This is also why your healthcare provider might suggest that you stay away from eating raw meats—well, of course, including your oldtime favorite sushi!

Do take note that foodborne illnesses in older adults can cause serious medical complications—even death so you might want to take this one seriously. Below are some tips on how to properly prepare, handle and cook your food so you prevent foodborne illnesses from happening:

•    BE sure to separate meat from other produce you bought at the supermarket and separate meat according to kinds (i.e poultry, pork, beef or fish). This way you avoid contaminating one from the other in case you got a bad meat.
•    As soon as get home, wash meat, drip dry them (no more juices left dripping), and put in separate, lidded containers before storing them inside the fridge.
•    Always wash utensils you used for preparing and handling uncooked meat such as chopping boards and knives. Warm, soapy water will do fine.
•    Wash your hands before and after preparing, handling and cooking food. This is such an easy task but often overlooked.
•    Wash fruits and vegetables before serving them especially if you intend to serve them raw.
•    Never leave meat at room temperature. They should be in the fridge, cooling themselves.
•    If you are to reuse your shopping bags, make sure you wash them first before doing so.
•    Use your senses in gauging the food if it’s still okay to eat. Look for telltale signs. If in doubt, then throw them away or if you doubt your senses, then have someone cook for you.
•    Never eat raw, rare, medium rare or whatever. It should always be well-cooked. If you are not a fan of well-cooked foods then you need to make sacrifices for your health.