Growing Older, Eating Better : Physical Problems, Money, Food Programs

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 3)

Physical Problems

Some older people may overly restrict foods important to good health because of chewing difficulties and gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation, diarrhea and heartburn. Because missing teeth and poorly fitting dentures make it hard to chew, older people may forego fresh fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Or they may avoid dairy products, believing they cause gas or constipation. By doing so, they miss out on important sources of calcium, protein and some vitamins.

Adverse reactions from medications can cause older people to avoid certain foods. Some medications alter the sense of taste, which can adversely affect appetite. This adds to the problem of naturally diminishing senses of taste and smell, common as people age.

Other medical problems, such as arthritis, stroke or Alzheimer's disease, can interfere with good nutrition. It may be difficult, if not impossible, for example, for people with arthritis or who have had a stroke to cook, shop, or even lift a fork to eat. Dementia associated with Alzheimer's and other diseases may cause them to eat poorly or forget to eat altogether.

Money Matters

Lack of money is a particular problem among older Americans, who may have no income other than Social Security. According to 2001 U.S. Census Bureau data, the median annual income in that year for people 65 and over was $14,152. More than 10 percent of people that age had an income below the average poverty level for their age group, defined as $8,980 a year.

Lack of money may lead older people to scrimp on important food purchases — for example, perishable items like fresh fruits, vegetables and meat — because of higher costs and fear of waste. They may avoid cooking or baking foods like meats, stews and casseroles because recipes for these foods usually yield large quantities.

Financial problems also may cause older people to delay medical and dental treatments that could correct problems that interfere with good nutrition.

Food Programs

Many older people may find help under the Older Americans Act, which provides nutrition and other services that target older people who are in greatest social and economic need. The program focuses particular attention on low-income minorities and rural populations. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, which administers the Older Americans Act, the nutrition programs were set up to address the dietary inadequacy and social isolation among older people.

Home-delivered meals and congregate nutrition services are the primary nutrition programs. The congregate meal program allows seniors to gather at a local site, often the local senior citizen center, school or other public building or a restaurant, for a meal, plus health screenings, exercise, or recreational activities.

Available since 1972, these programs, funded by the federal, state and local governments, ensure that older people get at least one nutritious meal five to seven days a week. Under current standards, that meal must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide at least one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for an older person. Often, people receive foods that correspond with their special dietary needs, such as no-added-salt foods for those who need to restrict their sodium intake or ground meat for those who have trouble chewing.

Other nutrition services provided under the Older Americans Act are nutrition education, screening and counseling.

While these nutrition programs target poor people, they are available to other older people regardless of income, according to Jean Lloyd, a registered dietitian and the national nutritionist with the Administration on Aging. Although no one is charged for the meals, older people can voluntarily and confidentially donate money, she says.

The meals provide not only good nutrition, but they also give older people a chance to socialize — a key factor in preventing the adverse nutritional effects of social isolation and a way of keeping people actively and socially engaged.

For those who qualify, food stamps are another aid for improving nutrition. Under this program, a one-person household receives an average of $44 per month in food stamps to buy most grocery items.

For the homebound, grocery-shopping assistance is available in many areas. Usually provided by nongovernment organizations, this service shops for and delivers groceries to people at their request. The recipient pays for the groceries and sometimes a service fee.

In some communities, private organizations also sell home-delivered meals.

About the Author

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