The Benefits Of Senior Nutrition

When seniors have good nutrition, they have a better quality of life. It’s sad that more than 1 in 3 seniors in the care of others are at risk for malnutrition (a statistic from the Mayo Clinic/American Dietetic Association).  Despite what many think, malnutrition isn’t a lack of food, but the lack of proper nutrition. At Comfort Keepers of Newark, Wilmington, and Dover DE we take nutrition seriously and can provide meals for our clients with the nutrients they need on a daily basis.

Assessing if seniors are malnourished isn’t always easy, since even though they may be eating enough in terms of quantity, they may not be eating enough of the healthy items. Eating well is a benefit for people of all ages and can make all the difference in a senior. Caregivers should place more importance on what seniors are eating to enhance their health and quality of life.  Here’s why more importance should be placed on a senior’s nutrition:

1.     Improves Digestion

Seniors tend to have sensitive digestive tracks that can get backed up easily. Since food choices greatly affect a person’s digestion, poor food choices can create problems for many seniors, especially if they are not getting enough fiber or fluids. Caregivers need to make sure that seniors have enough fruits and vegetables in their diet to help prevent constipation and must increase their water intake for better digestion.

2.     Increases Energy

When seniors have a well-balanced diet, they tend to have more energy. Constantly eating junk foods or other unhealthy items can really slow a person down. Seniors need to eat a certain set of calories based on their age and gender, so making sure a doctor provides this information is crucial for a healthy diet that will in turn energize them. When seniors have enough energy, their quality of life increases since they are able to do more things on their own. Good nutrition will also promote better moods in seniors.

3.     Healthy Weight

When a senior eats the right amount of calories for their age and gender, they’re able to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can be a problem for seniors since it increases their risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as cause joint problems. Carrying too much weight can also hinder a senior’s ability to stay active, which then causes mobility problems. So it’s important that a senior eat healthy items and nutrient-dense foods (which are foods filled with nutrients but have few calories).

4.     Promotes Health

When a senior eats right, they’ll not only feel physically better, but they’ll also decrease their risk from suffering from things like bone loss, heart disease, stroke and other illnesses like cancer and anemia. Eating healthy meals will also reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and more. The benefits to a eating healthy are numerous, which is why caregivers should always provide nutritional food items for the seniors that they care for.

Before a caregiver changes up a senior’s diet, they should first consult with their doctor to see if there should be any food restrictions.  Do you have questions about Senior Nutrition? Or need some assistance at your loved one’s home? Comfort Keepers can help! Contact us today at 1-888-890-4842.