The last blog post we shared shed light on common age-related complications that can hinder an aging adult from maintaining a healthy diet, but can these issues also lead to cognitive damage in seniors? Nutritional problems in older adults may be more common than you expect. The National Resource on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging notes that 35% – 50% of the elderly citizens living in long-term care centers are experiencing malnutrition, and 65% of hospitalized older adults may be malnourished as well.
Older adults struggling to meet their nutritional needs are three times as likely to need hospitalization and twice as likely to need to visit their medical professionals in general. They are also at risk for reduced muscle mass and have a more difficult time recovering than those with healthier eating habits. Furthermore, recent research suggests the vital role a balanced diet plays in protecting against cognitive damage in seniors. Healthy Aging and Longevity research shows an unexpected link between eating behaviors during a person’s adult years and age-related cognitive decline risk.
A diet abundant in cereals, veggies, fruit, and fish and reducing hydrogenated fats can help reduce these risks.
Special Considerations for Diabetes
It’s important to remember that older adults with diabetes are especially sensitive to the foods they eat. In particular, an older individual with diabetes might experience a decrease in memory after a meal, especially if it contains carbohydrate-rich foods, soda, sugar, etc. Although the exact reason for these concerns is not entirely clear, insulin in the brain is a most likely factor.
Making thoughtful choices that add to healthy and balanced eating for older adults today can aid them in reducing the threat of cognitive decline in the future. Take these proactive steps to help improve the nutrition of an older loved one:
- Implement an exercise routine.
- Keep blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels regulated.
- Supply healthy food options for each meal. For instance, replace basic carbs with complex ones like beans, whole grains, veggies, etc.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced weight and BMI.
- Request aid from a dietitian or a professional home care company like Compassionate Care Home Health Services.
Quick snacks are often easier to prepare for older adults than full meals. The home care experts at Compassionate Care Home Health Services can make certain that senior citizens always have healthy and balanced food selections in the home to help avoid cognitive damage in seniors. We can either supply transportation and support with grocery shopping, or we can take care of picking up groceries for the person.
Get in touch with us online or at 877-308-1212 to find out more about how we can assist somebody you love with personalized home care solutions in Cadillac, Saginaw, West Branch, and the surrounding areas.