Dr. Eboni Green
August 16, 2022
As we age, our bodies change in prominent ways there are a few less obvious ways that our bodies gradually change. As a caregiver, you are coming face to face with those changes daily. Eating is a habitual action we often take for granted, but it can also be an area of concern for seniors. In an effort to find what works for your loved one, let’s look at common roadblocks to healthy eating for seniors.
The first step to ensuring that your parents eat a healthy diet is to start them on the right track. The most important aspect of healthy eating is chewing food properly. This allows the body to break down food more efficiently, which leads to better digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also helps prevent choking or indigestion.
Therefore, this dentist who does dental bridges in Harrisburg highly recommends replacing missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Doing so will ensure that seniors will be able to break down the food they consume.
Intolerances to lactose or gluten are different from allergies. Intolerances don’t involve the immune system but can still cause discomfort. Your body’s response can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to heartburn or diarrhea. As we age, our bodies can develop intolerances that were not previously there. There are also some foods and drinks that trigger incontinence, which we want to avoid if possible.
Your parents may have had a distinct way of preparing certain foods, or they may have enjoyed eating specific meals in their youth. As an adult, you might find that these comforting dishes bring back positive memories. Many meals also connect to family traditions, making them feel even more essential.
The main issue is that much of what we consider comfort food is high in fat, sugar, and sodium. If your family member only seems to have an appetite for the indulgent, find ways to incorporate portions or flavors into healthier alternatives.
Medications can be a typical roadblock to healthy eating for seniors. Some medications interfere with the absorption of nutrients, which means your body doesn’t get all the vitamins and minerals it needs. They can also interfere with how your body processes certain nutrients. Finally, some medications in the gut directly cause stomach issues like nausea that make eating uncomfortable.
It may be difficult to get enough nutrients from food alone. Speak with your loved one’s primary care provider to determine which vitamin supplements you can add to their diet to avoid deficiencies.
Isolation can cause depression, and that risk becomes greater as we mature. Encourage family meals and conversation at home, but also plan for opportunities to eat with other elders. Social eating is important as it encourages healthy eating habits and provides emotional support. It can also keep the mind sharp and add variety to their diet by exposing them to new foods and restaurants.
It may be time to talk to an elder care professional about how to help a loved one with eating challenges. Together you can create a plan to combat dietary issues and nutritional deficits.
