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Source: Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration
Many older people have trouble eating well. This article tells why. Then it gives ideas on what you can do about it. Using the food label is one way to eat well. There are others.
Problem: Can't chew
Do you have trouble chewing? If so, you may have trouble eating foods such as meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
What to do: Try other foods
Instead of: |
Try: |
|---|---|
| fresh fruit | fruit juices and soft canned fruits, such as applesauce, peaches, and pears |
| raw vegetables | vegetable juices and creamed and mashed cooked vegetables |
| meat | ground meat, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, and foods made with milk, such as pudding and cream soups |
| sliced bread | cooked cereals, rice, bread pudding, and soft cookies |
Problem: Upset stomach
Too much gas and other stomach problems may make you stay away from foods you think cause the problem. This means you could be missing out on important nutrients, such as vitamins, calcium, fiber, and protein.
What to do: Try other foods
Instead of: |
Try: |
|---|---|
| milk | milk foods that may not bother you, such as cream soups, pudding, yogurt, and cheese |
| vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli | vegetable juices and other vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and potatoes |
| fresh fruit | fruit juices and soft canned fruits |
Problem: Can't shop
You may have problems shopping for food. Maybe you can't drive anymore. You may have trouble walking or standing for a long time.
What to do:
- Ask the local food store to bring groceries to your home. Some stores deliver free. Sometimes there is a charge.
- Ask your church or synagogue for volunteer help. Or sign up for help with a local volunteer center.
- Ask a family member or neighbor to shop for you. Or pay someone to do it. Some companies let you hire home health workers for a few hours a week. These workers may shop for you, and do other things. Look for these companies in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Home Health Services."
Problem: Can't cook
You may have problems with cooking. It may be hard for you to hold cooking utensils and pots and pans. Or you may have trouble standing for a long time.
What to do:
- Use a microwave oven to cook TV dinners, other frozen foods, and foods made up ahead of time by the store.
- Take part in group meal programs, offered through senior citizen programs. Or have meals brought to your home.
- Move to a place where someone else will cook, such as a family member's home or a home for senior citizens.
To find out about senior citizen group meals and home-delivered meals, call (800) 677-1116. These meals cost little or no money.
Problem: No appetite
Older people who live alone sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes. This feeling can make you lose your appetite. Or you may not feel like making meals for just yourself. Maybe your food has no flavor or tastes bad. This could be caused by medicines you are taking.
What to do:
- Eat with family and friends.
- Take part in group meal programs, offered through senior citizen programs.
- Ask your doctor if your medicines could be causing appetite or taste problems. If so, ask about changing medicines.
- Increase the flavor of food by adding spices and herbs.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration
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Date Added: 2009-04-16 Views : 319