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Graceful Aging
Has Own Menu
Brunswick News (GA) - October 29, 2009

BRUNSWICK, Ga. -- Aging can be tough. Ailments like osteoporosis, diabetes and memory loss plague many individual's golden years.

While there is nothing any of us can do to turn back the hands of time, maintaining a proper diet can help to make life better for senior citizens.

Jackie Carr, a registered dietician at the Brunswick hospital of Southeast Georgia Health System, points out that, as we age, many factors impact nutritional needs.

"Diseases and condition can have impact on nutritional health. Four out of five people over 65 have some sort of chronic disease that may be impacted by diet," she said.

Confusion, memory loss and depression can have an impact on how one eats. Carr also says that changes in appetite, digestion and even dental health have an effect.

"Many things can impact how they eat. Tooth loss or mouth pain and even dentures, if they don't fit well, can make it hard to eat," she said.

Finances are another problem. For many older adults, budgeting can determine how they buy food and what they purchase. Cheaper items are often less nutritional than some that are more expensive, like meats.

"Forty percent of older adults have an income of less than $6,000. With a budget of $25 to $30 a week to spend on groceries, that can make it really hard to get a balanced diet," Carr said.

Within that balanced diet, there are some areas seniors should focus on, including protein, calcium and fluids.

Hillary Johnson, wellness program coordinator at Marshes' Edge Retirement Community on St. Simons Island, says that older adults still require the same amount of nutrients as they did at a younger age. Some times they even need a little more.

"A diet rich in the proper nutrition is always a good idea for bone, body and brain health. Plenty of vegetables, fruits, proteins and whole grains do the trick, easily," she said.

"Additionally, limiting snacks to health conscience ones and making sure plenty of water is included is very important. Try limiting salt and high cholesterol foods, as well."

Johnson also encourages senior citizens to be aware of supplemental nutrients. She says that most often all required nutrition comes directly from food rather than pills.

"The need for calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 can increase as we age and some people find it difficult to get adequate amounts from food alone, especially when calorie needs go down," she said.

"Some people may need to discuss this potential need with their health care providers. However, I continue to emphasize that most of the nutrients an older adult consumes should come from food rather than supplements."

Older adults who are trying to maintain a healthy diet may want to consider these guidelines from Hillary Johnson, wellness program coordinator at Marshes' Edge Retirement Community on St. Simons Island:

--Whole, enriched and fortified grains and cereals, such as brown rice and 100 percent whole wheat bread.

--Brightly colored vegetables, such as carrots and broccoli.

--Deeply colored fruit, such as berries and melon.

--Low- and non-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and low-lactose milk.

--Dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs.

--Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads low in saturated fat and trans fat.

--Adequate fluids.