Preventing Senior Malnutrition

As we age, a number of factors make it harder and harder to ensure proper nutrition and food intake. As our bodies run on what we eat, making sure to eat a variety of filling and healthful foods goes a long way to make sure that we have the vitamins, minerals, and calories we need to maintain healthy skin, bones, and organ function.

Mobility issues and living on a fixed income can make it harder than it used to be to go to the grocery store, fill up a cart with food, and get it all home successfully. Grocery delivery services, either through a third party or offered directly through the grocery store, can remove the need to travel outside of the home to keep the fridge and pantry stocked. Government assistance programs, or charities like food banks or Meals on Wheels, or programs offered through Medicare or Social Security can aid in acquiring food at reduced or no cost.

Cooking and preparing complete foods can also be a roadblock for seniors. Declining energy levels, loss of coordination, and other issues can make it much harder to successfully prepare, begin, and complete a cooked meal from ingredients from start to finish. Many supermarkets have a deli section that offers premade salads, pastas, and other mixes that can either be eaten as-is, or require minimal preparation or heating.

Additionally, memory issues or living alone can make it difficult to stick to meal times. Having an arrangement with friends or families to share meal times, as well as setting a regular alarm for meal times throughout the day can help greatly.