Did you know?
- 9.18% of the U.S. senior population is malnourished
- 31% of seniors are chronically dehydrated
- Seniors need fewer calories than adults under age 60
- Seniors need more calcium, vitamin D and B-12 than adults under
age 60
The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates there are 3.7 million malnourished
seniors in the U.S. today due to a wide range of issues
including medication conflicts, changing taste buds, lack of
appetite, depression, chronic illness and new nutritional needs. As
we age, our bodies require fewer calories, yet require more
protein, calcium, B vitamins and other nutrients. Even in this
health conscious age, many caregivers lack awareness about the
specific dietary needs of seniors and how nutrition is a key
contributor to the well-being and longevity of the elderly.
Our Nutrition Experts
Heather Schwartz, MS, RD
Heather Schwartz is a Registered Dietitian working at
Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Having worked with acutely
ill, hospitalized patients and their families for many years,
Heather has transitioned into a counseling-intensive role where she
works closely with seniors and their caregivers. Through group
seminars, e-media, and individual nutrition counseling, Heather is
able to effectively communicate nutrition messages to those
striving for improvements in their health and the health of those
for whom they provide care. Having worked at two of the U.S.
News & World Report's Best Hospitals in the past decade,
Heather practices evidence-based, cutting-edge nutrition therapies
to coach her clients and their caregivers to success.
Read Heather's guest blog post: "
How to Help Seniors Increase Hydration and Protein
Intake"
Dr. Lindsay Jones-Born
Dr. Lindsay Jones-Born is a licensed naturopathic physician
in Connecticut, and is an active member of the American Association
of Naturopathic Physicians. Whole Health Associates, LLC is the
premier location in the Farmington Valley for natural medical care
for the entire family, offering naturopathic medicine, chiropractic
care, acupuncture and massage therapy. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, please visit www.wholehealthllc.com or
call 860-674-0111.
Read Dr. Lindsay's guest blog post: "Why Seniors Have Different Nutritional
Needs."
Sandra Burton, RD
Sandy Burton is a Registered Dietitian who graduated with a
Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Food Science, with a
concentration in Dietetics from San Jose State University. She
joined Fresenius Medical Care in 2008, providing nutrition
counseling for dialysis patients. Sandy also works for Bay Area
Nutrition; providing individual counseling, specializing in
Chronic Kidney Disease, hospice and nutrition for the
aged.
Read Sandy's guest blog post: "Why Malnourishment Plagues Seniors in America
Today"
Top Healthy Eating Tips for Senior Citizens
The MyPlate for Older Adults from Tufts University stresses the
importance of consuming fluids by having a row of glasses as its
foundation. As we age there can be a disassociation between how
hydrated our bodies are and how thirsty we feel. Lettuce,
vegetable juice and soups are important ways to increase the amount
of fluid in an older person's diet. Download and
print the MyPlate Nutrition Guidelines for Older Adults.
MyPlate for Older Adults
You can embed this infographic on your blog or website.