Malnutrition is a lot more common among seniors than many people know. Malnutrition doesn’t just mean not eating. It can also mean not eating nutritious foods and not getting the right vitamins and minerals. Seniors that are malnourished can struggle with things like:

• An increased risk of death
• An increased risk of hospitalization
• A weakened immune system, which can increase the risk of infections
• Decreased bone mass and muscle weakness, which can lead to falls and fractures
• Wounds not healing well

It’s important for seniors to eat enough food to get the calories they need and to eat the right foods that will give them the nutrition they need to be healthy and strong.

Seniors can become malnourished for a variety of reasons. Some seniors find it difficult to shop so they don’t keep enough food in the house. Others may have difficulties cooking so they eat canned food or take out instead. And some seniors lose their appetite because of health conditions or as a side effect of medication.

But no matter what the cause of a senior’s poor diet is there are things that seniors can do starting today to improve the quality of their diet and improve their health. Four of those things are:

Try Grazing

Seniors that don’t have a lot of appetite may not do well on a typical three meal per day way of eating. Instead of trying to force themselves to eat three big meals per day seniors can try grazing. Grazing means eating small amounts every couple of hours throughout the day. Eating healthy foods like yogurt, fruit, cheese and crackers, and soup throughout the day can improve a senior’s diet significantly.

Eat More Superfoods

Superfoods are foods that are low in calories but nutrient rich. Eating superfoods can give seniors the vitamins and minerals they need without requiring them to eat a lot of food. Nuts, beans, dairy foods like yogurt and kefir, and avocados are all examples of superfoods that seniors should be eating every day.

Drink Nutrients If Eating Is Too Difficult

Seniors who find it very difficult to eat because of their health conditions should try getting the nutrients they need from smoothies and protein drinks. Protein drinks can have up to 30 grams of protein in a shake but only have around 180 calories. Fresh smoothies full of fruits and vegetables are a delicious and refreshing way for seniors to load up on vitamins and minerals.

Rely on Elder Care

Another way seniors can improve their diets is to get elder care. When seniors have elder care to help with cooking meals, shopping, and planning they are much more likely to eat regular healthy meals. When seniors have elder care they will also have someone to share meals with. Seniors are much more likely to eat regular meals if they’re not eating alone. And a care provider can help with the meal cleanup too.

Sources:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)02612-5/fulltext
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-malnutrition-in-older-adults
https://familydoctor.org/nutrition-how-to-make-healthier-food-choices/
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/eating_habits.html

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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