There is a renewed interest in improving our lives by improving how we eat. The obesity epidemic is discussed on TV and radio and in print media every day. One circumstance that is not part of the conversation is how to encourage our aging population to take in enough calories and the proper nutrients in order to keep them healthy. As we age, our ability to taste diminishes and eating becomes less enjoyable. Also, eating alone is more often the reality for aging people and it is less fun that food taken in company. Unfortunately, we find that many people grab a quick meal that is high in processed foods which do not deliver complete nutrition.
To combat these circumstances, take the time to cook with your loved ones and encourage them to experiment with more strongly flavored foods. Spices and other seasonings may need to be added in greater quantities and trying to balance the amount of fat in the diet with the need to reduce the effects of fat on the heart. Remember that fat adds flavor to food. Limiting processed foods and cooking more “from scratch” will improve the nutritional quality of the foods they have to eat. Cooking with them, preparing meals that can be frozen and reheated later and helping them to shop for healthy foods will go a long way to improve their quality of life.
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