As we age, healthy eating habits become increasingly important. However, because of certain health issues and restrictions, many older people have trouble eating well. Luckily, the Food and Drug Administration offers some solutions to several common problems that keep seniors from eating a balanced diet.

Trouble Chewing:
For seniors who cannot chew food well, meats and fresh fruits and vegetables can be a problem. The FDA suggests the following substitutions:

• Canned fruits and fruit juices instead of fresh fruit
• Mashed or cooked vegetables instead of raw veggies
• Ground meat, eggs, milk, cheese yogurt and other dairy products as opposed to hard-to-chew steaks or chicken breasts
• Cooked cereals, rice, bread pudding and soft cookies as opposed to sliced bread

Lack of Appetite:
Older seniors who live alone sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes, which can lead to a loss of appetite. They may also not feel up to making a meal just for themselves, or the medication that they take might make food taste bad. For these issues, the FDA suggests:

• Eating with family and friends.
• Joining group meal programs offered through local senior citizens programs.
• Talking to a doctor about whether or not medication might be a problem.
• Contacting a local home care agency such as Visiting Angels to have a companion prepare and participate in making meal time a social activity.

Visiting Angels in the San Francisco Bay area specializes in enhancing the independence and sense of freedom for our aging clients. Providing personal care services, transportation, medication reminders, meal preparation, and much more, Visiting Angels makes home care the best care. Contact us today to find out more; in Alameda County at (510) 284-0000 or in Santa Clara County at (408) 735-0977.