Several changes can occur as we get older. We can have a decline in our sense of smell and/or taste, we can have a reduction in our income, experience the loss of a spouse, be prescribed more medications for an increasing number of health issues, and we can lose some or all of our teeth. In addition, our bodies undergo changes that can cause our thirst mechanism to not work properly, so we are at higher risk of dehydration. The amount of gastric juices produced in our stomach declines as we age which can affect the absorption of some nutrients. The function of the lactase enzyme reduces with age, causing many seniors to become lactose intolerant. As a result, aging can contribute to several nutritional concerns.
Being aware of these potential problems can help us to address them. It becomes important to be vigilant in remembering to drink more water throughout the day. We don’t need to eat as much food as we get older and many may lose an interest in eating, due to issues with taste, smell, chewing problems, medications or loneliness. As we get older we should try to avoid too many empty calories, and eat more nutrient dense foods such as fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Loss of taste and smell can sometimes result in a higher use of salt and sugar, but it is better to improve the taste of food with herbs, spices and vinegars.
Getting together with friends and family for potlucks or other meals can encourage healthy eating. Consuming smaller amounts of healthy foods more frequently throughout the day may also help. Drinking water with meals can help with chewing and swallowing problems. Doing our best to stay physically active as we get older helps to keep our bodies healthy and encourages a better appetite. Some organs appear to compensate for aging by functioning more effectively, but some nutrients are still at higher risk of being deficient in older adults, such as calcium. It is recommended that seniors consult their doctor about the possibility of taking a multivitamin designed for older adults.
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