What Contributes to Nutrition Deficiencies in Seniors

One key aspect of providing home care for seniors is helping them make better dietary choices. In today’s article, Griswold Home Care of Hilton Head discusses the factors that contribute to micronutrient deficiencies in seniors and offers tips on making healthy food choices.

Factors That Can Contribute to Micronutrient Deficiencies

According to reports by the World Health Organization, the majority of diseases among the elderly are a result of a poor diet. Many seniors suffer from micronutrient deficiencies because of age-related challenges. These challenges include:

• Medication side effects. Some kinds of medication can change food taste perceptions and can cause nausea and reduced appetite. This can discourage seniors from eating the right kinds of food and cause them to skip meals.
• Decreased sensitivity. A person’s senses can become duller as they get older. Your loved one’s sense of smell and taste might have decreased, reducing appetite.
• Physical difficulty. Seniors tend to weaken with age, which can make simple tasks feel challenging. Your loved ones might find carrying groceries or preparing food too physically tasking.

This is when the assistance of a caregiver can become invaluable. A caregiver from a 24/7 home care agency can help with healthier food choices. Proper diet and a healthy lifestyle often go hand in hand, particularly for seniors.

Important Nutrients for Seniors

Certain nutrients become especially important for good health as we advance in age. Help your loved ones by encouraging them to eat food rich in these nutrients:

• Fiber – Fiber can help lower the risk of heart disease and prevent Type 2 diabetes. It can also help seniors stay regular. Fiber-rich foods include whole-grain bread and cereals, beans and peas, and certain kinds of fruits and vegetables.

• Vitamin B12 – Many elderly people do not get enough vitamin B12. Ask a registered nutritionist if your loved one needs a B12 supplement. Encourage them to eat fortified cereals, some kinds of fish and seafood, and lean meat.
• Calcium & Vitamin D – Older adults need a lot of calcium and vitamin D to help maintain their bone health. We suggest three servings of calcium-rich food and beverages each day. These include green leafy vegetables, milk, fortified plant beverages, and fortified cereals.