As long as we’re independent, we have a lot of control over what we eat. Yet we’re a nation of problem eaters. Our obesity rates are off the charts as is the incidence of diet-related ailments, especially diabetes. There are numerous resources for overweight people and people with eating disorders. It’s always a good time to make changes.
In old age, we tend to reap what we’ve sown. Bad diet, lack of exercise, overuse of alcohol, all of these have consequences that become more consequential as we get older. And with age come new obstacles to maintaining good nutrition.
Nutrition as a complex process
When you’re young, all you have to think about is what to eat, where to eat, and how much to eat. When you’re old, you understand that eating requires shopping, food preparation, the act of eating, the processes of digestion and elimination, and of course the clean-up. As we age, any one of these may pose problems.
If you suspect that you’re not getting adequate nutrients, think about what parts of the process are problematical for you. Is it because particular foods are hard to chew or digest? Do you have problems like heartburn?
Are you having trouble food-shopping because you’re limited in driving ability and can’t carry packages from the garage to the kitchen (much less from the bus)? Can you afford to order online and have food delivered?
If it bothers you to throw food away, many fresh and raw products will be problematical since almost everything comes in quantities too large for a single person: a head of lettuce, a head of celery, a cantaloupe, a pineapple. Fortunately, we’re seeing more varied and interesting food being offered in single-portion size, a trend that’s likely to continue.
Another problem might be that many single-sized servings of prepared food have daunting packaging: impenetrable plastic seals, sharp edges. Difficulty opening cans and jars can be eased by assistive devices, but if fingers are unsteady, you may hesitate about preparations that involve knives, pots of boiling water, or impenetrable packaging. Between finding products sold in small enough, manageable enough packages, and eliminating foods that either require too much preparation or too robust a digestive system, you may find your food selections greatly reduced.
Nutrition and Dental Health
For many seniors, dental problems make it much harder to eat well. Poor dental health is correlated with poor health in general. Nonetheless, Medicare doesn’t cover dental care*, stand-alone dental insurance is costly and and has limited coverage, and there are few resources for those in need.
In cities with dental colleges, you can often receive excellent and relatively inexpensive care using student dentists. Otherwise , you have little recourse. Low-cost or charity dental care is reserved for the poorest of the poor, leaving all too many people over the limits but unable to pay. A free dental care event in Tucson last year drew lines of people reaching around the block.
(*Some Medicare Advantage plans offer some dental coverage, usually cleanings, X-rays, and routine exams. Even with the best dental insurance, crowns and major reconstructive work are usually covered at only 50% and implants not at all.)
To Cook or Not To Cook?
Your nutritional challenges partly depend on whether or not you cook your own meals. If you do, retrofits and assistive devices may be worth the investment. (Modifying your Kitchen)
If you rarely cook for yourself, the challenge will be to find balanced affordable meals. You can check out the supermarket, local restaurants, and programs like Meals on Wheels and communal meals at senior centers.
We’re fortunate to live in a world filled with packaged prepared foods that get better by the day. There are fast and sometimes healthy options for Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Indian meals and more, as well as kosher, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals, even in mainstream supermarkets. (Surely within the next ten years someone will figure out how to make them taste good with less sodium.)
For those who can afford it, some supermarkets will shop for you and deliver your order to your door Fast food of all kinds can be ordered for delivery and many cities have options for gourmet prepared foods and personal chef services.
For those whose nutritional problems are compounded by poverty, many cities offer Meals-on-Wheels options and serve “communal” meals at Senior Centers for minimal cost. These provide social contact as well as nutrition. (Nutrition Assistance)
Resources on Nutrition
If you’re concerned about getting adequate nutrition, Medicare authorizes discussion of nutrition during your annual wellness check-up. You can also get a referral to a nutritionist. If you’re unable to shop or prepare meals, or you have trouble affording sufficient food, there are community and government assistance programs.
The National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging provides links to government programs and initiatives at both the national and state levels that work to ensure good nutrition for seniors.
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