Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Nutrition Important In All Stages Of Life

Nutrition is important in all life stages from childhood through the end of life. As a person ages a balanced and varied eating pattern remains important, but nutritional needs change.

This is especially true if the person takes medications that may impact appetite and vitamin and mineral needs. Also, the risks for nutrition related disease, such as heart disease, the bone disease osteoporosis, and diabetes increase with aging.

Many things contribute to malnutrition in older adults, says Rossia Brown-Broughton with the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Chronic diseases may lead to physical limitations, as from arthritis, or to cognitive limitations, as from Alzheimer's disease.

Such conditions can make shopping for, preparing and consuming food difficult without assistance. Dental problems may cause some seniors to avoid eating foods that must be chewed well, such as vegetable salads.

Depression is relatively common among older people, and it can lead to severe weight loss. Changes in smell and taste resulting from aging itself or from drug therapy can cause decreases in food consumption or disinterest in, even avoidance of formerly preferred foods.

Isolation is a major risk for poor nutrition among seniors, especially among those who have recently lost a spouse. Someone who is suddenly alone after many years of living with another may lose interest in eating. If the deceased spouse was the sole food preparer, the one left may not be accustomed to or even marginally skilled in preparing foods, especially healthful meals.

Researchers at Georgia State University compared eating habits of recently widowed older adults with those of married people of similar ages. Significantly fewer widowed than married persons reported enjoying meals and/or having a good appetite. Moreover, the researchers found that the essential-nutrient intakes of the widows and widowers were lower, and changes (usually decreases) in body weight occurred more often among the widowed.

Senior adults should start the day with the most important meal breakfast, which helps fuel the brain and body with energy they need. A bowl of fortified cereal with skim milk provides vitamins, such as folate and the B vitamins, and minerals like iron. Milk has protein, B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

And the fiber in cereals helps keep the digestive system working regularly.

Another easy breakfast is low-fat yogurt with low-fat granola and fresh fruit slices.

For lunch choose sandwich breads with fiber, such as multi-grain, whole-wheat, bran or oats. Include lean turkey or roast beef, lettuce and tomato or other vegetables like cucumber, red peppers or carrots.

For a quick dinner meal, bake or broil poultry or fish with a light coating of crushed high- fiber cereal and chicken broth. Finish the meal with rice and beans and a fruit salad.

As we age, our food and nutritional needs change, but a balanced and varied eating pattern remains essential.

For more nutrition information call the Extension office at 246-2281.