Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!
Topic: Elderly Loved Ones Need Proper Nutrition
March is National Nutrition Month. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors National Nutrition Month, which is intended to encourage healthy eating habits in society. You may ask, what are the nutritional needs of our elderly loved ones? Many health choices align with nutritional health standards. You must consider your loved one’s medical condition. The common thread is always to consider the four food groups, even if some may need to be limited.
The four food groups are based on their nutritional properties. These included dairy, milk, meats, fruits and vegetables, and grain groups. The goal is to choose foods with minimum sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Adequate protein in the diet encourages muscle mass, while needed nutrients include potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12. Many of these are found in the foods that are consumed.
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy improves nutritional health. Choosing chicken and fish over beef and pork can be healthier for our loved ones. Chicken and fish are generally lower in saturated fats and calories, which can be healthy. Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Support from health professionals to understand dietary requirements based on loved ones’ medical conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, renal failure, and thyroid conditions is recommended. Remember that some medications have food limitations. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing the ins and outs of your loved one’s medical condition. It is not just about bathing, dressing, toileting, and those bedtime shenanigans. It is also advised to consult nutritional food labels to track parts that should be limited. Food labels share nutrition facts about serving size, calories, key nutrients, vitamins & minerals, and ingredients.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I believe nutritional health is key when caring for elderly loved ones. Many have decreased appetites for a host of reasons, like taking multiple medications, poor dental care, and disease. Ensuring nutritionally solid meals and avoiding empty calories is crucial. One way to track healthy food choices is to consult food labels. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman, a retired registered nurse and case manager, is the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released several books, including The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.
Website: www.cynthiajhickman.com
