Good nutrition for elderly can help reduce certain health related problems among elderly members like osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even a few forms of cancer. In fact it has been calculated that 60% of the hospitalized older adults (over the age of 65) suffer from malnutrition. Here we will discuss some key nutritional facts for seniors in order to prevent malnutrition and encourage a better life.

1. NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
FOR SENIORS CITIZENS

2. Introduction
Good nutrition for elderly can help reduce certain health related problems among
elderly members like osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even a
few forms of cancer. Proper nutrition and healthy living can improve appearance,
strength, balance, mobility, and overall mood. Reports from various sources
indicate that a large population of elderly members are unable to meet the energy
and nutrient requirement as they fail to get the correct amount and type of food. In
fact it has been calculated that 60% of the hospitalized older adults (over the age of
65) suffer from malnutrition. By 2030, Americans aged 65 and older will reach an
approximate figure of 75 million, comprising nearly about 20% of the U.S.
population. Here we will discuss some key nutritional facts for seniors in order to
prevent malnutrition and encourage a better life.

3. Focus On Essential Nutrients
Vitamins and minerals are highly
essential for seniors to maintain a
proper health as they start aging.
Metabolism rates among aged people is
much slower as they lose their ability to
absorb certain vitamins and minerals.
Hence, it is vital for seniors to have a
nutrition-dense diet with a focus on key
nutrients which are commonly deficient
among them. Fresh fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and lean protein are
considered as good nutrition for healthy
aging.

4. Avoid Junk Foods & Aim For Variety
Saturated fats and trans fats which comes
from junk and processed foods should be
avoided at all cost. Senior members
should incorporate a diversity of food in
their diet in order to provide the body
with a variety of nutrition. It is essential to
have good sources of iron, protein,
healthy fats and calcium each day. Meats,
fruits and vegetables helps to keep a
healthy body by providing a wide array of
nutrients.

5. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the major risk for
senior citizens as it leads to disorientation,
confusion and unhealthy changes in blood
pressure. No matter how good a diet is
being maintained, without proper intake
of water it is hard to maintain a healthy
body and mind. According to National
Institute of Health it is recommended for
seniors to intake at least 8 glasses (8 oz.
each) of water each day.

6. Vitamin-rich Foods For Seniors
• Vitamin B (6 and 12): Smoked salmon, feta cheese and/or sunflower seeds
• Vitamin C: Broccoli, red bell pepper, sprouts, papaya.
• Vitamin D: Get outside in the sunshine, take fish oil supplements and/or eat soy
products like tofu or soy milk
• Calcium: Dark leafy greens, cheese and/or yogurt
• Magnesium: Leafy greens, nuts and seeds and/or avocado
• Potassium: Bananas, beans and/or squash

7. Conclusion
As people age they face difficulty in eating and sometimes prefer homogenous
diets which decreases their source of good nutrition. Elders often have trouble
chewing fresh fruit and so they can look for alternative fruit juices, soft canned
fruits, apple-sauce, etc. Reports from The American Dietetic Association shows that
senior members intake only a third of the nutritional requirements that their
bodies actually need, which actually diminishes their quality of life. A lot of thinking
goes into when it comes to maintain and prepare healthy diets for seniors and yet
we have to keep in mind that every situation is going to be different based on
health, taste and living conditions of each individual.

8. Contact Us
If you want to have Professional Dieticians prepare a healthy diet for your elderly
members and Licensed Practical Nurses provide professional assistance in a home-
like assisted living center then reach us at:
Call: (405) 306-2605
Website: www.redhavencarehomes.com
Email: redhavencare@gmail.com
Address:
• 6900 Northwest 129th Street
Oklahoma City, OK, 73142
• 6916 Northwest 129th Street
Oklahoma City, OK, 73142