Senior Nutrition Information
One of the toughest obstacles that people face as they get older is the bones start to soften due to a loss of bone mass as well as bone density. This is caused by losing calcium and other nutrients as we age. Because of this older people are more susceptible to broken or sprained bones and, in many cases, affects the way that older people move. In addition, the loss of nutrients can result in loss of function of joints and muscles. All can result in injuries to legs, arms, knees, hips and back that can be difficult to overcome.
Because of the loss of nutrients and calcium it is important to have a diet that adds them back into your system. This means that you need to be observant to what you are eating. A proper diet will help with your weakness in your bones by strengthening them. In addition, a healthy diet will help prevent senior citizens from getting Diabetes.
From a nutrition standpoint you should be eating items from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. Ideally you should eat from each of them in order to get all of the vitamins that your body needs as you age. By eating in all of the food groups you will better fight off the potential problems of bone density loss.
At KSAAP we have worked with local nutrition experts and have come up with a few helpful websites that address the issues of nutrition in the elderly. We usually share this information with participants in our program but are also glad to share them here. Good luck with your nutritional goals, and feel free to let us know if you have any questions.
- Choose My Plate – This government website outlines the five major food groups and what belongs in each category.
- Nutrition Facts Label – Information for the USDA for older adults outlining what they should look for on labels.
- Food Safety for Older Adults – Helpful page which discusses food safety for senior citizens.
- Roadblocks to Healthy Eating – Useful information on how to overcome typical roadblocks that are preventing us from eating healthy as we get older.