There are so many factors that affect an elderly person’s diet. The diet of a person is very important given that this is one way of staying healthy. The foods that people 65 and older take are entirely relative because of our own biological differences. We believe it is best for you and your elders to consult a doctor or a nutritionist/dietician for the right diet given their specific conditions.
Angelic Love Home Care, a dependable non-medical home care agency in Framingham MA, believes that you should know on the obstacles that concerns elderly people when it comes to healthy eating. In the first place, it is very common to have a number of possible reasons that could affect their diet. We will go through all those factors for you to be able to implement the right treatment and strategy with your in-home caregiver.
Eating Goals
Primarily, we have to set our goals in this endeavor. Remember in whatever age that you are in, it is imperative as it is vital to have the right eating lifestyle to improve the way you think and feel. As we remove the most possible factors that influence you and your elderly loved ones’ diet, it should contain foods that sharpen our mind, help us live longer and stronger, and make us feel better.
It is very important to maintain an eating lifestyle that reduces the risks of memory loss. Our memory reminds us of who we are and our purpose to live. Foods that contain such ingredients as omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risks of having brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Mental alertness can also be achieved even with the debilitating effects of aging.
We want to make sure that you are able to live longer and stronger so that you can spend more time with yourself, your family, and friends. It would be happier if you are strong enough to remain mobility and strength to interact with different people in your life making your life more interesting as well. Good nutrition helps people keep their weight on a good balance reducing the risks for chronic health problems.
A longer life would be very dragging if you do not feel better about it. It is important that you feel better every day and one way to manage your emotions and behavior is your diet. Meals that give you more energy can boost your mood and self-esteem. When you feel good inside, the happy glow naturally flows outside.
Eating Obstacles
There are so many hindrances that could possibly affect your diet. Let’s first tackle the physical ones that primarily influence your diet.
Slow metabolism – Aging affects the speed of our metabolism. Most elderly people are often withdrawn from different recreational and social activities because of aging problems. And without these activities, older people’s metabolism slows down. Typically, it is not aging that primarily contributes to weight gain and other metabolic disorders but it is mainly because of our shift in lifestyle given that exercise is one great way of fighting against diseases and other health problems are exercise.
Unstable vitamin and mineral absorption – Given that older people have a slower rate of metabolism; our bodies also reduce its production of saliva and stomach acid. With this said it is harder for our bodies to process and absorb particular vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, B6, & B12 which all are essential for sustaining important physiological processes like blood circulation and mental alertness.
Medications
Prescriptions and OTC drugs often affect our sense of taste and smell on our foods that impede us from eating the right amount of food every day. This is more challenging for older people since they are known to take about 15-18 prescriptions a year, not including the supplements that they have. The drug interactions that happen can intensify or reduce one’s medication intensity and efficacy.
It is imperative to get the right kind of help for your elders. Call Angelic Love Home Care, a steadfast non-medical home care agency in Framingham MA, today! We provide information, companionship, and quality services to elderly loved ones in need!
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