Senior health is serious issue

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August 4, 2009

By AMBER DILLEY The Glasgow Daily Times Tue Aug 04, 2009, 09:45 AM CDT

GLASGOW — Keeping Kentucky’s older population healthy starts with their diet, according to research conducted by The Boomer Project.

The study showed that more than 60 percent of caregivers say the senior they are caring for has three or more nutritional risk factors. The most prevalent factors are: the senior takes more than three or more prescribed or over-the-counter medications each day, has an illness or conditions that resulted in a diet change or they have lost or gained more than 10 pounds in the last six months without trying.

In addition, more than one third of the caregivers said the senior has nutritious food available, but still does not eat well, more than half said the senior rarely cooks for themself and three out of 10 reported the senior typically eats alone.

In light of this research, Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with nutrition experts from the University of Maryland and Duke University Medical Center to promote healthy, stress-free grocery shopping, meal preparation tips and recipes for the approximately 3,500 households in Barren County caring for seniors, according to a news release.

Brad Cannon, owner of Home Instead Senior Care, said that risks associated with conditions like medication use and illness can negatively impact seniors’ health and that good nutrition is the first line of defense.

“In today’s economy, people are always looking for ways to cut and unfortunately, they’re cutting back on healthy foods because they do cost a little more,” he said. “Good nutrition is the first line of defense; it’s not a good place to cut back for a senior.”

Another thing that effects nutrition in the older population is companionship.

“What we find is that some family caregivers do a good job of getting food in, but they’re in a hurry, and we find that our clients eat a more balanced diet when caregivers eat with them,” Cannon said. “It’s the companionship factor. If you’re at home alone, you’re more likely to just grab the chips, but if someone’s there, you might make a meal.”

The care center has partnered to provide a booklet called Cooking Under Pressure that is available by calling the office and also online at alberscommunications.com/homeinsteadmedia.

The Web site, www.foodforseniors. com, also provides additional information, research and resources.

INFORMATION

Senior Shopping List: 12 staples your senior shouldn’t live without.

1) Oatmeal — a source of fiber, helps lower blood cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

2) Eggs — contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals.

3) Yogurt — rich in calcium and contains good bacteria useful in good digestion.

4) Blueberries — rich in antioxidants and may improve memory and coordination.

5) Apples — can lower the body’s need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

6) Fish — bluefish, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna are low-fat, high protein and can improve heart health.

7) Chicken — poultry is a good source of protien and the niacin and selenium possesses cancer-fighting properties.

8) Broccoli — contains multiple nutrients and has been found to protect against cancer, heart disease, stroke and macular degeneration.

9) Soy (Edamame) — a good replacement for foods high in saturated fat and can improve bone health.

10) Sweet potatoes and squash — a source of beta carotene and vitamin C.

11) Rice — digests slowly, allowing the body to utilize the energy over a longer period. It also contains little sodium, useful amounts of potassium, B vitamins, thiamin and niacin.

12) Dark chocolate — consumed in moderation, it has been found to boost HDL (good) cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

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