Special feature
Special feature
Nutritional needs of older adults By Misa Acox Editor, Forward Focus
“10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every single day.” – Pew Research Center While this statistic is impressive, the compounding of this statistic is astounding. The “silver tsunami” as it’s sometimes called means the number of seniors will double by the year 2050, from 57 million in 2010 to more than 112 million in 2050 (Meals on Wheels America).
Use this website as a tool to calculate appropriate options for healthy eating including daily recommended amounts of different food groups. The website even has a BMI calculator, and a body weight planner to lose weight in a safe, methodical way as well as healthy recipes and sample menus.
As the population ages, it is crucial that good For those on a fixed eating habits are established and maintained budget, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance to achieve optimal nutrition. The nutritional Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food needs of older adults are distinctly different Stamp Program, serves as the primary source from young people. The aging body, in fact, of nutrition assistance for millions of lowneeds more nutrients as it income individuals. “SNAP ages due to a decrease in offers nutrition assistance to the body’s ability to absorb millions of eligible, low-income The cost of feeding one or use certain nutrients. The individuals and families and older adult on a homemetabolism slows down provides economic benefits delivered meal service meaning the body doesn’t to communities. SNAP is like FiftyForward Fresh burn as many calories as it the largest program in the for ONE year is roughly used to which can sometimes domestic hunger safety net the same as ONE day in a mean older adults may need (USDA.gov).” In Tennessee, hospital or TEN days in a to adjust how much they eat visit https://www.tn.gov/ nursing home to maintain a healthy weight. humanservices/for-families/ (Meals on Wheels America Activity levels play a part; supplemental-nutrition2018 fact sheet). the body needs less calories assistance-program-snap. if sedentary, more if activity html to learn about SNAP levels are higher. assistance. Vital nutrients needed for aging bodies Nutrition holds the key to healthy aging. After the age of 50, the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients diminishes so maintaining healthy eating habits can play a significant role in keeping chronic illnesses at bay or in check. With all of the changes in the food pyramid these last few years, it is easy to be confused about portions and guidelines. Certain nutrients like B-12, vitamin D, potassium, calcium and fiber are vital to optimal health. The USDA now provides information on smart eating tips through its My Plate program (https://www. choosemyplate. gov/MyPlatePlan). The food pyramids of yesterday have been replaced by the “smart plate” that illustrates portions and smart food choices.
Food insecurity affects nutrition In many instances, access to healthy food choices can be challenging for older adults. There are many reasons older adults may be experiencing hunger and food insecurity. A decline in health or mobility may make it difficult for older adults to grocery shop. With the growing geographical transience of family members, many older adults may be without nearby family and friends who can assist with food shopping or they may need help preparing food. The result is millions of older adults left alone to fend for themselves, often hungry, and food insecure. Enlisting in a meal delivery service is one way older adults can reap the nutritional value of good food. According to Feeding America, nearly 5 million older adults face hunger in the United States. The rate of hunger among seniors 60+ has increased 45% since 2001, mostly due to the lingering effects of the 2008-9 recession (FeedingAmerica.com). Nearly 63% of households with an older adult age 50+
FiftyForward Fresh Director Sharie Loik Goodman visits with Winston, 96, a FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels customer.
face an impossible choice – groceries or medicines. Older adults shouldn’t have to choose between nutritious meals and the medications they need to live a healthy life. Home-delivered meals can boost nutrition Winston, 96, is young in spirit. Born in Nashville, his career as a NASA engineer and as a Navy Lieutenant took him to many other parts of the world, including North Korea. He eventually moved back to Nashville because he wanted to live the rest of his life in the home he purchased in 1950. Before Winston began receiving meals, he had lost fifteen pounds in six months. His doctors were concerned. They urged him to eat meals that provide the nutrition he needs to prevent a rapid decline in health. His family applauded his decision to have FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels deliver healthy meals to him. The meals and companionship provided by FiftyForward Fresh are an important part of maintaining his ability to continued on page 8 age at home. Winter 2018 | 3
