Senior Helpers in Medford nj and moorestown nj talks about nutrional concerns for seniors in new jersey
By Peter Mangiola RN Msn
You may have made financial preparations for when you're older, thought about where you want to live and made sure you have an exercise routine in place to keep yourself in optimal shape.
But have you thought about your nutrition needs as you age?
Registered Dietitian Lou Ann Dixon, a consultant to senior helpers in home care of medford new jersey says that among the younger old -- those in their 60s and 70s -- the biggest issue is a slowdown in their resting or basal metabolism -- the number of calories the body burns maintaining and creating cells and in other necessary functions such as breathing and the beating of your heart.
"We all lose metabolism by about 2 percent per decade," Dixon says. For those in their 50s and older, that means reducing calorie intake and making every calorie count.
"What we all need to be doing is eating nutrient dense food. (We) don't have a lot of leeway to eat cakes and cookies -- fun food with no nutritional value."
The poor diet spiral
As people age further, many also lose appetite. While they require even fewer calories, than their counterparts 20 years younger, they need food that is just as nutrient dense. Some people in their late 70s and beyond fall into what some professionals call the "tea and toast syndrome." As they age and perhaps encounter a health setback of some sort, they lose energy. Especially if a person lives alone, he or she may choose the simplest food available -- such as tea and toast. With energy low, the person may feel satiated. However, the meal does not provide adequate protein, which helps maintain muscle, or adequate vitamins and minerals. The nutrient-poor eating habits can be
the start of a downward spiral where an insufficient diet means more fatigue, and the lack of energy leads to an even worse diet. Compounding the problem is that tastebuds become less sensitive as people get older, meaning that food simply doesn't taste as good.
"Our taste acuity goes down with age," Dixon says. "Things don't taste as good as when (people) were in their 30s or 40s, which makes a difference in the way people want to eat.
With some of the pleasure gone, eating seems more like a chore, especially for those who live alone.
"They get bored with eating and tired of cooking for one," says Maria Porchia Rn Ceo Of Senior Helpers of Medford New Jersey City In burlington couny and A Expert in Senior Services.
If you Would like further information Please call us at 609-261-2995 or Visit us At http://www.seniorhelpersnj.com/
Other problems
Dietitian Dixon adds that the stomach breaks down food less efficiently as people age, meaning that the nutrients we do take in do less good.
Then there's water.
"Dehydration is huge," Dixon says, adding that the thirst mechanism goes away in many people.
"They just don't drink enough fluids," she says of older people. "That slows everything down. That slows down the intestinal tract."
Lack of energy is not the only contributor to poor eating habits, Dixon says. Some people have dental problems, which makes chewing difficult. In addition, conditions such as arthritis make food more difficult to prepare. Cutting up an apple or even opening a jar can be painful and, if the person is using a knife, potentially dangerous.
Financial concerns are also present for some.
Hollinsgworth of the City of Boulder's Senior Services says every year she encounters a sad truth.
"Around the holidays, we coordinate the delivery of fruit basket with CareConnect," a local nonprofit, she says. "Time and time again, people say, 'I would love one. I can't (normally) afford fresh fruit.'"
A helping hand
Aging Services for both the City of Boulder and Boulder County offer a wide range of programs to help seniors navigate their food choices. In addition, they work with local non-profits such a Meals on Wheels and CareConnect.
CareConnect volunteers will pick up groceries for people who need them in Boulder and Longmont. The agency coordinates with Safeway stores in Boulder and Longmont, on Wednesdays, coupon day.
Last month, the Boulder program filled 240 grocery orders for 107 clients. In Longmont, 126 orders were filled.
"The idea of the overall mission is to support seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes," says Richard Varnes, executive director. "This can be a really make it or break it service."
When people think of feeding the elderly, they often think of Meals on Wheels, and rightly so. The organization in Boulder will serve as many as 75,000 meals this year, says Executive Director Francea Phillips. In addition to serving seniors, the group brings meals to people recovering from a hospital stay and those with disabilities that prevent them from accessing food on their own.
The group is also working to make the meals it serves as nutritious as possible.
"We're working diligently to continue to improve our healthy style meals," Phillips says. "We're trying to add organics to our menus as organics become available at a lower cost."
In addition, the program caters to special dietary needs when required. That includes making vegetarian meals, when requested, and serving meals appropriate for those who have diabetes or lactose intolerance.
"Eighty-three percent of our meals are called specials. (That means it's) not a standard meal," she says.
Phillips says the Boulder Meals on Wheels exceeds a third of the required daily allotment of calories and nutrients.
Some clients request double meals, which they receive. About 25 percent of meals are doubles.
"It still breaks my heart. I know that's not enough food to sustain a lifestyle, let alone a healthy lifestyle," Phillips says.
The meals are priced on a sliding scale; about 1,000 meals will be served at no charge, Phillips says.
Meals on Wheels also runs Café Classico, a restaurant housed in the West Boulder Senior Center, which serves lunches that include an entrée, salad bar, dessert, beverage and side items for $4. A Tuesday dinner includes entertainment.
The agency coordinates transit for those who need it.
"It brings people who could not get out of their homes," Phillips says.
Similar cafes are available in Nederland, Lafayette and Allenspark.
"Community is one of the most important things for food," Dixon, the dietitian says. "I think there are a lot of people sitting home alone."
But have you thought about your nutrition needs as you age?
Registered Dietitian Lou Ann Dixon, a consultant to senior helpers in home care of medford new jersey says that among the younger old -- those in their 60s and 70s -- the biggest issue is a slowdown in their resting or basal metabolism -- the number of calories the body burns maintaining and creating cells and in other necessary functions such as breathing and the beating of your heart.
"We all lose metabolism by about 2 percent per decade," Dixon says. For those in their 50s and older, that means reducing calorie intake and making every calorie count.
"What we all need to be doing is eating nutrient dense food. (We) don't have a lot of leeway to eat cakes and cookies -- fun food with no nutritional value."
The poor diet spiral
As people age further, many also lose appetite. While they require even fewer calories, than their counterparts 20 years younger, they need food that is just as nutrient dense. Some people in their late 70s and beyond fall into what some professionals call the "tea and toast syndrome." As they age and perhaps encounter a health setback of some sort, they lose energy. Especially if a person lives alone, he or she may choose the simplest food available -- such as tea and toast. With energy low, the person may feel satiated. However, the meal does not provide adequate protein, which helps maintain muscle, or adequate vitamins and minerals. The nutrient-poor eating habits can be
"Our taste acuity goes down with age," Dixon says. "Things don't taste as good as when (people) were in their 30s or 40s, which makes a difference in the way people want to eat.
With some of the pleasure gone, eating seems more like a chore, especially for those who live alone.
"They get bored with eating and tired of cooking for one," says Maria Porchia Rn Ceo Of Senior Helpers of Medford New Jersey City In burlington couny and A Expert in Senior Services.
If you Would like further information Please call us at 609-261-2995 or Visit us At http://www.seniorhelpersnj.com/
Other problems
Dietitian Dixon adds that the stomach breaks down food less efficiently as people age, meaning that the nutrients we do take in do less good.
Then there's water.
"Dehydration is huge," Dixon says, adding that the thirst mechanism goes away in many people.
"They just don't drink enough fluids," she says of older people. "That slows everything down. That slows down the intestinal tract."
Lack of energy is not the only contributor to poor eating habits, Dixon says. Some people have dental problems, which makes chewing difficult. In addition, conditions such as arthritis make food more difficult to prepare. Cutting up an apple or even opening a jar can be painful and, if the person is using a knife, potentially dangerous.
Financial concerns are also present for some.
Hollinsgworth of the City of Boulder's Senior Services says every year she encounters a sad truth.
"Around the holidays, we coordinate the delivery of fruit basket with CareConnect," a local nonprofit, she says. "Time and time again, people say, 'I would love one. I can't (normally) afford fresh fruit.'"
A helping hand
Aging Services for both the City of Boulder and Boulder County offer a wide range of programs to help seniors navigate their food choices. In addition, they work with local non-profits such a Meals on Wheels and CareConnect.
CareConnect volunteers will pick up groceries for people who need them in Boulder and Longmont. The agency coordinates with Safeway stores in Boulder and Longmont, on Wednesdays, coupon day.
Last month, the Boulder program filled 240 grocery orders for 107 clients. In Longmont, 126 orders were filled.
"The idea of the overall mission is to support seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes," says Richard Varnes, executive director. "This can be a really make it or break it service."
When people think of feeding the elderly, they often think of Meals on Wheels, and rightly so. The organization in Boulder will serve as many as 75,000 meals this year, says Executive Director Francea Phillips. In addition to serving seniors, the group brings meals to people recovering from a hospital stay and those with disabilities that prevent them from accessing food on their own.
The group is also working to make the meals it serves as nutritious as possible.
"We're working diligently to continue to improve our healthy style meals," Phillips says. "We're trying to add organics to our menus as organics become available at a lower cost."
In addition, the program caters to special dietary needs when required. That includes making vegetarian meals, when requested, and serving meals appropriate for those who have diabetes or lactose intolerance.
"Eighty-three percent of our meals are called specials. (That means it's) not a standard meal," she says.
Phillips says the Boulder Meals on Wheels exceeds a third of the required daily allotment of calories and nutrients.
Some clients request double meals, which they receive. About 25 percent of meals are doubles.
"It still breaks my heart. I know that's not enough food to sustain a lifestyle, let alone a healthy lifestyle," Phillips says.
The meals are priced on a sliding scale; about 1,000 meals will be served at no charge, Phillips says.
Meals on Wheels also runs Café Classico, a restaurant housed in the West Boulder Senior Center, which serves lunches that include an entrée, salad bar, dessert, beverage and side items for $4. A Tuesday dinner includes entertainment.
The agency coordinates transit for those who need it.
"It brings people who could not get out of their homes," Phillips says.
Similar cafes are available in Nederland, Lafayette and Allenspark.
"Community is one of the most important things for food," Dixon, the dietitian says. "I think there are a lot of people sitting home alone."
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