Maintaining a Healthy Diet

A number of medical problems can be prevented just through healthier eating. Diet is thought to account for 30% of all cancers, and high-fat diets are implicated in both cancer and heart disease. A high-fiber diet can help to prevent constipation, bowel cancer, and diverticulosis. Normal age-related changes can make it hard to elders to take in enough nutrients, so every bite counts and it is important that the diet is high-quality.

• reduce total fat intake to 30 or less of total calories
• eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day
• balance physical activity and food intake to maintain a healthy body weight
• limit intake of salt
• consume alcohol in moderation.

It may be difficult sometimes for seniors to have a balanced diet, especially those who live alone or who have mental or physical handicaps. Elders who are ill, disabled, or who have restricted mobility may have problems shopping or cooking for themselves. Some may forget to eat. Malnutriton can result, which reduces the elder’s ability to fight off disease. One solution is to have a caregiver prepare meals, or for the elder to use a community meal service such as Meals on Wheels. If difficulties persist, the older person may consider moving into a facility where nutritious meals are made for the residents.