Topic A - Remaining Healthy as an Older Adult.
To remain healthy as a older adult several factors come into play. All elements of the individual's life have to be looked at and studied. Do they eat right? Do they exercise enough? What is their social situation? By providing for these elements correctly a well-managed health and wellness program will benefit the Senior.
Poor nutrition in older adults happens because of a variety of conditions. Many Seniors live alone and are unable to get around as easily as before. This may restrict grocery shopping and food preparation. Also, depression may affect the older adult. Depressed Seniors may suffer from a lack of desire to eat or prepare food. Declining oral health may contribute to the level of food intake. Some medications, medical processes and treatments may cause loss of desire to eat. Finally economic status plays an important role in nutrition as the lower the status the less capable the Senior is at obtaining the level of proper nutrition. Some of the health risks to poor nutrition are:.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) .
Cancer .
Heart disease .
Arteriosclerosis.
Stroke.
Vision loss (glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration).
Proper diet contributes favorably to the Senior's life expectancy, emotional welfare and physical abilities. "The definition of a proper diet encourages eating a low-fat, high-fiber, low-salt, low-sugar, and moderate-calorie regimen." This diet may be achieved with the aid of the Food Guide Pyramid. The aging adult should have:.
6-11 daily servings of breads, cereals, rice and pasta.
3-5 daily servings of vegetables.
2-4 daily servings of fruits.
2-3 daily servings of milk, yogurt and cheese.
2-3 daily servings of meat, poultry, fish, dried beans, eggs and nuts.
minimal amount of fats, oils and sweets.
In addition to a proper diet nutritional supplementation is important.