Malnutrition is a growing concern among the United States’ aging population. For adults of retirement age and over, healthy nutrition is crucial. This is particularly the case if they have been diagnosed with dementia, with a chronic disease, or they are temporarily ill.
When your body isn’t getting the right nutrients to work properly from the foods you eat, this is referred to as malnutrition. By nutrients, we are referring to minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is essential to prevent malnutrition. Why? Muscles are strengthened and your body receives energy from these substances. Additionally, they help to repair and grow body tissue, as well as regulating your heartbeat, breathing, and other bodily functions.
Malnutrition In Aging Adults
Those in their golden years can suffer a number of health problems due to malnutrition including the following:
- Anemia
- Weakened immune system
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Loss of strength or muscle weakness
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Unintentional weight loss
Reasons for Malnutrition
When a person doesn’t eat the right amount of healthy foods or doesn’t eat enough food in general, malnutrition occurs. Particularly in retirement age adults, a handful of things can affect the type and amount of food they eat, including:
- Depression
- Alcoholism
- Social issues
- Disability
- Low income
- Certain medications
- Lack of variety in the foods they eat
- Health problems
Proper Nutrition Can Improve Health
Try some of the following suggestions to improve the nutrition of your loved one if you feel they may be suffering from malnutrition:
- Go out of your way to plan social activities that include mealtime or culinary treats.
- Because a person’s appetite is frequently improved by exercise, try to encourage walking, an exercise regime, etc.
- Nutritional supplements, supplement shakes, etc., may improve the diet of your loved one. Consider adding these but talk to their physician first.
- To restore flavor to foods that seem bland (frequently the case if your loved one is on a restricted diet), consider the use of spices, herbs, and more. Take it easy on the salt, however.
- Healthy snacks can be a good way to make sure your loved one is getting the nutrition they need. The key word there is, of course, “healthy.”
- Food choices that are healthy should be encouraged over those that are not quite as beneficial. Consider lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Try to limit your loved one’s intake of salt, alcoholic beverages, sugars, and solid fats.
Note: If your loved one lives in a nursing home, retirement community, is currently in the hospital, etc., talk to the staff. To improve nutrition, they may be able to create a plan, once it’s brought to their attention. Ideally, of course, they would already have noticed the signs and symptoms of malnutrition.
Nutritious Meals Can Help Keep Your Loved One Healthy
At our retirement community, nutritious and delicious meals are just the beginning. We also offer a vast array of incredible programs and resort-like amenities.
Courtesy of our Sensations Dining program, three chef-prepared meals a day are served at our retirement community. Whenever possible, the freshest local ingredients are used and, in addition to everyday traditional choices, selected cuisines are often presented. Should your loved one have dietary restrictions, it’s never a problem. All this, and more, in a fine dining atmosphere!
Would you like to discuss sales and leasing with a representative? If so, you can phone us at 561.287.6743. With other questions, please phone 561.202-9866. You can also open the lines of communication by filling out and sending in our contact form. Take time to check out our amazing community. Schedule a tour today.
