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Age Gracefully with Nutritious Choices: A Senior's Guide to Healthy Eating

Sep 06, 2023
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As we age, the importance of healthy eating habits increases. Eating nutritious foods is essential to maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, feeling energized, and combatting malnutrition. Here's how to age gracefully with nutritious choices.

What is Senior Malnutrition?

Senior malnutrition is a serious issue that affects many older adults due to a lack of proper nutrients and calories needed for optimal health. According to SeniorAdvice, senior malnutrition can be caused by loss of mobility, decreased appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, medication interactions, financial limitations, and social isolation. Seniors and their caregivers need to be aware of the signs of malnutrition and take steps to address it through proper nutrition and support.

 

Why is it Important for Seniors to Eat Healthy?

Eating healthy is essential for combating malnutrition. According to the National Council on Aging, malnutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, muscle loss, an increased risk of falls and fractures, and a decline in mobility. By nourishing the body with the right nutrients, seniors can enjoy improved energy levels, better immune function, and a reduced risk of illness. 

 

How to Incorporate Key Nutrients into a Healthy Diet?

To maintain a healthy diet, it's important to incorporate key nutrients and foods into your daily meals. SeniorAdvice recommends that seniors include the following essential nutrients into their diets: 

  • calcium
  • vitamins A, B12 and C
  • fiber
  • iron 
  • folacin

Incorporating these vitamins and minerals into a healthy diet can help seniors to meet their nutritional needs and age gracefully. 

For more information on Senior Malnutrition and ways to combat it with a healthy diet please visit Achieving Proper Nutrition for Seniors: The Necessity of Meal Planning.

At Jordan Healthcare Center we have a dedicated team of professionals who provide patient-centered care to better the overall wellness of our patients and community.