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Senior Health And Fitness Day

WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2009
Submitted By: Mariangela Silvestre

Americans are fortunate to have had life-long access to medical science that has enabled its citizens to live longer lives. In fact, the US Census Bureau projects that by 2030, 57.8 million baby boomers between ages 66 and 84 will be living active lives. Of course, people over 65 still need to be aware of how their dietary needs and bodies have changed as they’ve aged to ensure that they not only live longer, but better.

Along with the physical changes, there are other physical and mental complications that seniors, and their loved ones, should be aware of. These changes include loneliness, depression, oral/dental problems that lead can be the cause of difficulty in chewing, loss of appetite, reduced capacity to absorb and utilize nutrients, economic concerns, lack of cooking skills or desire to cook, inadequate nutritional knowledge, and eating/nutrient complications due to the use of various medications.

In honor of next week’s National Senior Health & Fitness Day (May 27th), Homewatch CareGivers, an international provider of care services to the elderly, has provided specifics below on a few of these senior issues, tips and advice on how to overcome them, and how to live a healthy and fit lifestyle:

1. Seniors have more digestive issues and are more susceptible to dehydration.
The US Department of Agriculture reports that seniors are nutritionally insufficient in foliate, vitamin C and E, and often do not eat enough fruit and meat. It is not uncommon for seniors to have chronic pain and digestive issues because they are not maintaining proper nutrients in their diet, and lack of specific nutrients means that the body cannot function properly. Fortunately, changes in a diet can be made quickly and easily, with a renewed focus on buying fresh produce and less pre-packaged foods. Seniors also need to focus on drinking more water and tea, while minimizing soda and alcohol consumption.

2. Aging affects the senses thus affecting the types of food seniors will/can eat.
We lose senses as we age, which means we are less likely to taste flavors like salt and sugar. Seniors often over-use these two items purely because they cannot taste it when it is included in recipes. The overuse of salt and sugar can lead to serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and poor heart health. In addition, specific medications may make food taste different, and often seniors are not aware of the medicinal effects on their food choices.

It is important to monitor the use of sugar and salt in a senior’s diet, as well as review the medications your elderly-loved ones are taking. Be sure to ask their doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects, including food and beverage interactions, and make your senior is aware of all directions and side effects.

3. It is easier to lose control of body weight as we age.
Seniors face the struggle of balancing their caloric intake to include all the right nutrients, while not over or under eating. According to the USDA there are health risks to overeating, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. The National Institute on Aging states that nutrition and risk of being underweight is a larger concern than obesity; making the risk for under eating just as dangerous as overeating. The complications of under eating include memory loss, decreased immunity, lowered body temperature, constipation and osteoporosis.

The USDA has put-together a senior-friendly food pyramid and planning guide which can help seniors and their caregivers plan a nutritious meal. A doctor and/or nutritionist should be consulted to assist in creating a diet plan to maintain a healthy and attainable weight.

4. Some seniors have difficulty preparing meals.
Many people who are over the age of 70 have serious limitations to cooking in the kitchen. Sometimes, they have lost interest in cooking and/or cannot stand long enough to prepare their meal.

There are many meal-delivery options for seniors, such as Meals On Wheels, locally-owned and operated food and grocery delivery programs, as well as some community senior centers often offer the option of group meals to help seniors who cannot cook. It is important to assess your elderly loved-one’s nutritional needs to see if one of these meal programs or the assistance of a caregiver is necessary.

5. Many seniors face depression about eating alone.
Many seniors have transitioned from having friends and family around, to being alone. When they find themselves on their own, they do not feel that it’s worth it to cook for one, or they are feeling depressed about the loss of loved ones. Often seniors will self-deprive because they feel isolated, and/or have undiagnosed health problems.

It is important that seniors are not eating every meal alone. Always remember to include your senior-loved–one in your meal plans; either taking them out to eat, rotate between family and friends to eat together, plan a family dinner night at least once a week, and/or enroll them in their local community senior center where they offer a group-meal environment where seniors have the opportunity to socialize.

As an advocate for the elderly, Homewatch CareGivers would like to see the senior population not only grow, but thrive. Homewatch CareGivers has created the Guide to Senior Health and Wellness, that will assist seniors and their families create a healthy routine that to help them prolong their lives, and give them the best life possible.

For more details on this news, please visit www.prlog.org.

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