Posted September 30, 2011
Stock up on nutritious shelf stable items. Include foods that require limited preparation.
–Understand food safety. Older Americans are highly susceptible to food-borne illnesses. Eating food past its expiration date can have life-threatening consequences.
–Talk with a doctor or registered dietitian about diet restrictions, weight loss or need for nutritional supplementation.
–Follow recommendations from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that contain specific recommendations for older Americans.
–Consume foods with vitamin B-12, including fortified cereals, milk products or dietary supplements. B-12 also can be found in fish, meat and eggs.
–Among older adults who are obese, particularly those with cardiovascular disease risk factors, intentional weight loss can be beneficial and result in improved quality of life.
–Individuals 51 or older should reduce their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams or less.
–Consider community services such as the local food bank, Meals on Wheels or congregate meal sites.
Source: Meredith Mensinger, RD