January 2017
Older Adults: The Benefits of Eating Well
Daily food choices influence the health of older adults. Good eating habits help the body maintain muscles, bones and organs in good working order. The essential nutrients older adults need for good health are protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Foods that contain a lot of nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and whole grains are healthy dietary choices.

Finding a Food Balance
According to the National Institutes of Health, eating a balanced mix of foods each day can help older adults reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, anemia and some types of cancer. Even if you or a loved one already have a chronic health condition, good eating habits can help in managing those conditions. For instance, choosing high-fiber, low-fat foods can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Food provides the body with the energy it needs to get through the day. However, some older adults do not get sufficient nutrients, while others do not engage in enough physical activity. An imbalance can lead to weight loss or gain. That's why it is important to get the right mix of food and activity in each day.

Nutrition and Aging
For older adults who live alone and aren't eating well, daily socialization may help to stimulate their appetite. Community services such as Meals on Wheels or in-home companion care may lead to better food intake at home.

Here are four ways aging influences nutrition:
  1. Metabolism - Metabolism is not just how fast your body burns calories - but also how well it uses nutrients to maintain a healthy body. According to Medline Plus, metabolism slows over time, beginning at age 20.
  2. Digestion - Digestion also slows with age. Decreased saliva and stomach acid make it harder for older adults to process vitamins and minerals such as B12, B6 and folic acid - which are important for cognitive function, memory and circulation.
  3. Senses - Older adults may experience changes in taste and smell. Certain medications may also affect how food tastes. Use of herbs and spices, instead of salt, can make food more appealing. However, the urge to eat sweets can remain strong in seniors. Satisfy those cravings with naturally sweet foods, such as fruits, carrots, corn or bell peppers, rather than cookies and candy.
  4. Bones - Older adults need vitamins and minerals to maintain bone strength. A broken bone can lead to serious health consequences in older adults, so getting vitamin D each day from low-fat or fat-free milk is a good idea. Consult a physician regarding the need for vitamin supplements.
Aging can affect how food well is digested, the taste and smell of food as well as bone strength. Good nutrition habits can help older adults deal with these changes. For information about healthy eating plans for older adults, check out these guides: What's on Your Plate and Healthy Eating After 50.

ComForCare helps older adults maintain independence at home. Our trained caregivers can assist seniors with shopping for groceries, preparing nutritious meals and washing the dishes.
Water is an essential nutrient, especially for those with dementia. Learn  how to help your loved one stay hydrated and keep healthy from our guide, 10 Tips for Families Can Use When Caring for a Loved One With Dementia.
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Addressing "Sundowning" in Dementia 

By Deborah Bier, PhD, director of special populations

Deborah Bier
Deborah Bier, PhD
The term "sundowning" refers to behaviors such as confusion, agitation, anxiety and restlessness that often increase toward and after sunset in people who have dementia. Depending upon the time of year and geographical location, these behaviors may start as early as mid-afternoon and continue through the night.

The pattern of sundowning is entirely individual. Some people with dementia sundown frequently, while in others it happens occasionally or never at all. No matter how frequently it occurs, sundowning can be upsetting for everyone involved: family and professional caregivers, as well as the person with dementia.

Unfortunately, no one knows exactly why some people with dementia experience sundowning. However, here are some approaches that may help: 
  1. Add more light. People with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia need two to three times more than normal household lighting to function best. As the sun sets, we usually do turn on lights, but they may be too dim for such a person's needs. Try adding another lamp to brighten the home.
     
  2. Provide a healthy snack. For some people, sundowning can be a sign of being "hangry": the impatience and anger that can come with the hunger of low blood sugar. A mid-afternoon snack that includes protein along with complex carbohydrates and fiber can satisfy them until dinner.
     
  3. Try an afternoon nap. Mid-to-late afternoon can be a sluggish, laid-back time of day. See if a nap helps the person be calmer when they wake. Then, be sure to turn on lots of lights once they're awake.
While no single approach can reduce or eliminate sundowning, these tips may help. Each person is unique. You may need to customize these suggestions to fit your loved one's needs and preferences.
To learn more about this topic, click the video button below.
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