Why Some Seniors are More at Risk from Poor Nutrition

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) cautions that elderly adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease among others, are more at risk for poor nutrition. Bad eating habits, loss of appetite, lack of access to healthy foods due to an inability to get out and shop, or a shortage of money, only add to the problem.

The NCOA also wants seniors to know that poor nutrition not only makes it harder to manage chronic diseases but may actually make you more vulnerable to coming down with them. Another problem is it can weaken your immune system leaving you susceptible to the flu, colds and other viruses. Moreover poor nutrition can hamper one’s ability to recover from surgical procedures, heal wounds, and increases the risk for infection or falls.

Also as many elderly people have a decrease in appetite and consume much smaller portions each day, the food they do eat needs to be nutrient-dense. This is one reason experts recommend the elderly avoid foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats as well as processed foods, which often are short on nutrients and much needed vitamins and minerals.

At the MorningStar of Billings’ senior living community, we know that good nutrition is important to the health of seniors. This is why we offer our independent living, assisted living and memory care residents not only delicious daily meals but ones that are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. Our range of nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet. Our Executive Chef even incorporates “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens to enhance our food service. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and pricing and availability.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website to find out more about one of the top senior living facilities in Billings, MT.

Source: ncoa.org/healthy-aging/chronic-disease/nutrition-chronic-conditions/