Special Nutrition Concerns of Older Adults
By Lisa Cook Bayer
National Nutrition Month takes place each March and is an educational and informational campaign sponsored by the American Dietetic Association.
Lack of proper nutrition leads to problems for persons of all ages, but there are special concerns for older adults that may indicate the presence of or lead to the development of multiple emotional and physical disorders and conditions. For example, as our bodies age the possibility of developing high blood pressure from a high sodium diet or osteoporosis from lack of calcium intake could increase. Over the years we have seen that high fat diets can lead to certain cancers and vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been linked to weakened immune systems, anemia, eye, skin, hair and nail issues, body pain, poor reflexes and muscle strength, depression, and confusion among other physical and mental conditions.
Not only does the lack of or increase in certain food sources affect our emotional and physical well-being, but the way or bodies use (or in some cases don’t use) these food sources can also change as we get older. For example, sudden weight loss or gain could be a red flag for other health concerns. Similarly, certain physical and mental limitations and conditions can impair one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition. For example, a person who suffers from arthritis or has had a stroke may have difficulty preparing, and eating, food. Similarly, depression and dementia can affect one’s desire or ability to remember, to eat. Community services such as meals on wheels, adaptive devices and/or assistance with and supervision of feeding by another person can help with these concerns.
In conclusion, it is important for older adults to remember to schedule regular visits with their physicians and not to begin any medication or vitamin program without first consulting one’s own medical professionals.
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Lisa Cook Bayer, J.D., is President of Life Management Resources, LLC, a private elder care advocacy firm located in northern New Jersey. |
National Nutrition Month takes place each March and is an educational and informational campaign sponsored by the American Dietetic Association.
Lack of proper nutrition leads to problems for persons of all ages, but there are special concerns for older adults that may indicate the presence of or lead to the development of multiple emotional and physical disorders and conditions. For example, as our bodies age the possibility of developing high blood pressure from a high sodium diet or osteoporosis from lack of calcium intake could increase. Over the years we have seen that high fat diets can lead to certain cancers and vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been linked to weakened immune systems, anemia, eye, skin, hair and nail issues, body pain, poor reflexes and muscle strength, depression, and confusion among other physical and mental conditions.
Not only does the lack of or increase in certain food sources affect our emotional and physical well-being, but the way or bodies use (or in some cases don’t use) these food sources can also change as we get older. For example, sudden weight loss or gain could be a red flag for other health concerns. Similarly, certain physical and mental limitations and conditions can impair one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition. For example, a person who suffers from arthritis or has had a stroke may have difficulty preparing, and eating, food. Similarly, depression and dementia can affect one’s desire or ability to remember, to eat. Community services such as meals on wheels, adaptive devices and/or assistance with and supervision of feeding by another person can help with these concerns.
In conclusion, it is important for older adults to remember to schedule regular visits with their physicians and not to begin any medication or vitamin program without first consulting one’s own medical professionals.
Back to Elder Care
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