Elderly Care And Nutrition: Poor Health Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Aging

By Author: Erica Ronchetti
Total Articles: 739
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Studies performed by the USDA (the US Department of Agriculture) reveal that Americans over the age of 65 are likely to suffer from malnutrition, a risk that increases with age. Many diseases prevalent in the elderly population can be prevented by elderly care and proper nutrition—nutritional intervention can prevent hospitalization, as malnutrition is a major reason seniors suffer health problems. Improper nutrition can also exacerbate existing health problems as well.

Although regularly taking supplements and vitamins is a good idea, there is no substitute for a good balanced diet plan for seniors The consequences of not consuming enough nutritionally dense foods can be very serious, especially for senior loved ones.

Elderly care, nutrition, and eating habits are all crucial for seniors who wish to maintain good quality of life. A proper diet will control blood sugar levels, maintain vision, help avoid diabetes, improve mood, eyesight, energy level, muscle strength, bone density, digestion, etc… All these functions are interrupted by regularly eating a poor diet. If you ...
... care for an elderly loved one or parent or if he or she lives alone, take time to look into his or her eating habits and ensure there are no serious elderly nutrition problems caused by poor diet.

Good elderly care means a good nutrition plan. Poor diet can mean a lower intake of calories, good protein, fats, and carbohydrates. This can also mean less intake of B vitamins and important iron and zinc. These minerals are crucial for cognitive function, a strong immune system, and other bodily functions. Elderly care providers can prepare meals for loved ones and ensure they eat a nutrient dense diet, and are not deficient in any vitamins or minerals that may cause infections and a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and long term chronic disease.

As we age, we require fewer calories; this means the calories we do consume need to be nutritionally dense. A elderly care provider can help prepare highly nutritious foods with lower calories for a loved one, or provide a variety of healthy snacks so your loved one can get the nutrient-dense foods they need and avoid any potential problems. Subtle elderly dietary problems do occur from changes in eating patterns. They arise from poor eating habits, not being able to get to a grocery store regularly, difficulty chewing, and/or poor appetite.

An elderly care provider can help your loved one by preparing nutritional meals on a regularly basis, taking specialty concerns into account, including diabetes and other medical problems. Elderly care is one option for aging parents and loved ones as it allows them to remain safely in their homes as long as possible—caregivers visit as needed and take care of everyday tasks and services, including cleaning, running regular errands (cleaning and stocking the refrigerator), and meal preparation. These small steps of elderly care can really ease the burden on your loved one and make a big difference in their quality of life.

Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Visiting Angels, the nation's leading, network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care,Home Care Nurse, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. Visit the Visiting Angels website to find out more information on elderly care.