subject: Poor Nutrition Puts Seniors At Risk [print this page] As people get older, it is even more important to pay attention to nutrition. When the body ages, it changes. What to eat and what not to eat become focal points for senior citizens.
Sugar
A high sugar intake can cause high cholesterol, diabetes, tooth decay and being overweight. Processed sugar is found in foods such as cake, peanut butter, syrups, candy and many preserved fare. It is also frequently found in low-sodium items, where the manufacturer reduces salt, then uses sugar to enhance the flavor. Reducing the consumption of these types of foods helps to control cholesterol and diabetes. When sugar mixes with saliva and bacteria in the mouth, it harms the teeth. Brushing the teeth soon after consumption reduces tooth decay, gum disease and cavities. This is difficult to do for those with difficulty gripping items, such as a toothbrush. Having home elder care to help with daily oral hygiene reduces the risks. When sugary foods high in calories are eaten, those that do not exercise enough will likely gain weight. Because many seniors cannot exercise regularly, these items should be avoided or minimized in the diet.
Sodium
High sodium can lead to stroke, heart and kidney disease and high blood pressure. Reducing salt, or sodium, is one way to prevent these and other health problems. Avoiding table salt is one option; steering clear of high sodium foods is another. These include meat, shellfish, canned soup, gravy and frozen meals. Low-sodium fare, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and those with low-salt or no-salt labeling are on the good-for-you list.
Hydration
Dehydration in seniors is common. When people age, their bodies become drier. As a result, seniors need to drink more fluids, especially water. The body does not detect it is thirsty as quickly as it does in younger people. The effects of dehydration include insomnia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and an anxious, depressed or irritable mood. Reducing salt and alcohol use are two ways to combat dehydration, aside from the obvious act of drinking water and juice more frequently. Home health agencies provide caregivers that can assist in making sure that seniors get plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration.
