Page 341 - Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice

C H A P T E R 1 3 Nutrition for Older Adults 329

Box 13.3 TIPS FOR EATING WELL AS YOU GET OLDER

Enjoy Your Meals
Eating is one of life’s pleasures, but some people lose interest in eating and cooking as
they get older. They may find that food no longer tastes good. They may find it harder
to shop for food or cook, or they don’t enjoy meals because they often eat alone.
Others may have problems chewing or digesting the food they eat.

Why Not Eating Can Be Harmful
If you don’t feel like eating because of problems with chewing, digestion, or gas, talk
with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Avoiding some foods could mean you miss
out on needed vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein. Not eating enough could mean that
you don’t consume enough nutrients and calories.

Problems with Taste or Smell?
One reason people lose interest in eating is that their senses of taste and smell change

with age. Foods you once enjoyed might seem to have less flavor when you get
older. Some medicines can change your sense of taste or make you feel less hungry.
Talk with your health care provider if you have no appetite, or if you find that food
tastes bad or has no flavor.
If you don’t feel like eating because food no longer tastes good, you can enhance the
flavor of food by cooking meals in new ways or adding different herbs and spices.

Problems Chewing?
If you have trouble chewing, you might have a problem with your teeth or gums. If you

wear dentures, not being able to chew well could also mean that your dentures need
to be adjusted. Talk to your health care provider or dentist if you’re finding it hard to
chew food.
Chewing problems can sometimes be resolved by eating softer foods. For instance,
you could replace raw vegetables and fresh fruits with cooked vegetables or juices.
Also choose foods like applesauce and canned peaches or other fruits.
Meat can also be hard to chew. Instead, try eating ground or shredded meat, eggs, or
dairy products like fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt. You could also replace
meat with soft foods like cooked beans and peas, eggs, tofu, tuna fish, etc.

Problems with Digestion?
If you experience a lot of digestive problems, such as gas or bloating, try to avoid
foods that cause gas or other digestive problems. If you have stomach problems that
don’t go away, talk with your health care provider. If you do not have an appetite or
seem to be losing weight without trying, talk to your health care provider or ask to see
a registered dietitian.

Try New Dishes
Making small changes in the way you prepare your food can often help overcome
challenges to eating well. These changes can help you to enjoy meals more. They can
also help make sure that you get the nutrients and energy you need for healthy, active
living.

■ Look for ways to combine foods from the different food groups in creative ways. You
can do this while continuing to eat familiar foods that reflect your cultural, ethnic, or
family traditions.

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