Everyone knows you need to think about what it takes to stay healthy. You need to exercise, and if you develop good eating habits too, you should be fine in your later years, right?
Not so fast....
Here are 5 common beliefs about senior nutrition that just so happen to not be true:
Myth #1; Seniors should follow the follow food pyramid.
We are taught our entire lives to follow the food pyramid or the My Plate guidelines of the US Dept of Agriculture. However, these guidelines don't provide for the special requirements of seniors. Some of the foods suggested could interact dangerously with the common senior medications or worsen heart disease and diabetes. Seniors also need more of certain vitamins and minerals.
Myth #2: It's normal for older adults to lose their appetite.
Becase your netabolism and activities change as you become older, you may not need as much food as a younger person. However, it is not normal for an older adult to lose their appetitie. This can be a sign of a serious health condition or dental issues. You should check your weight routinely abd bring any sudden changes in weight to the attention of your doctor.
Myth #3: It's okay to always eat alone.
Seniors who live alone often prepare food for themselves and frequently don't eat as well as they should. Physical limitations can also make it difficult for seniors to prepare a nutritious meal. Eating all meals alone can also contribute to stress, loneliness and anxiety. That's why it is important for seniors to eat at least some of the time with others. Whether that means visiting a senior center or having lunch with a friend, eating with others is important to your health.
Myth #4: Senior communities serve awful food.
If you think that the food served in a senior community is always bad, you might be surprised to know that many of them employ nutritionists and talented chefs to ensure that meals aren't just nutritious but tasty too. Before moving to a senior community, try to experience at least one meal there. This will also give you an opportunity to interact with other people living there.
Myth #5: Seniors need fewer nutrients and have slower metabolisms.
While seniors may need fewer calories they still need as many nutrients, if not more. This is because as we age, our ability to absorb certain nutrients decreases. Doctors recommend that seniors increase their intake of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Calcium.
Just because your body is changing as you age doesn't mean you won't benefit from healthy eating. It's never too late to put in the effort to eat healthy and improve your health.
