The Obesity Epidemic: How Does It Affect Seniors?

Posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 1:09 pm and filed under Caregiving, Healthy Living, Interactive Caregiving

Obesity, today, is a hot topic. In fact, due to the significant rise of obesity in children and the subsequent health issues it causes, health experts predict that today’s children may have shorter life spans than their parents. This projection has parents, the medical community and other health advocates promoting significant lifestyle changes and better eating habits for children in hopes they achieve brighter health statistics in their futures.

Another population suffering the effects of the obesity epidemic that is garnering widespread attention is America’s seniors. Many seniors battle weight issues, often thought of in terms of being too thin or malnourished. However, the growing population of seniors at risk of being overweight faces obesity-related serious health issues, as well, including risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, loss of memory and an even higher risk of developing dementia in later years.

In short – proper eating habits should begin early in life and continue through the golden years. The problem is – no one is that perfect and today’s fast-paced, fast-food society makes it easy to deviate from healthy choices. However, no matter what age, practicing healthy nutritional habits can make a big impact on a person’s overall health.

Caregivers of seniors play an important role in ensuring seniors consume healthy, well-balanced diets. Simply interacting with seniors by helping them shop for nutritional items at the grocery store, choosing healthy snack alternatives, and planning menus that provide adequate nourishment without unnecessary calories are key. Preparing healthy meals together can foster better eating habits and provides an activity enjoyed by all. Dining with seniors whenever possible adds another opportunity to oversee healthy food choices. This also offers seniors a bit of socialization, making seniors feel less lonely and isolated than when dining alone. Companionship during meals stimulates appetites, paving the way for seniors and caregivers, alike, to eat proper amounts of nutrient-rich foods.

The benefits of good nutrition are many:

  • Improved energy and feeling of wellness
  • Strengthened immunity
  • Sharpened mental focus
  • Stronger bones and muscles
  • Improved weight control, digestion and regularity
  • Better cardiovascular health
  • Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression, and so much more

 

Along with good nutrition, daily exercise helps combat obesity. A stroll through the neighborhood or a bike ride in the park promotes cardiovascular health benefits for seniors while burning calories. Encourage seniors to develop an exercise regimen with their physicians’ help that offers the best benefits specific to their physical abilities.

Caregiving provides a unique opportunity for caregivers of seniors to make a difference in more ways than one. Interacting with seniors – talking together, sharing meals, and participating in other activities — cultivates overall healthy lifestyles that are crucial to helping seniors live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

References:

YMCA of the USA. The y recognizes national childhood obesity month. Retrieved on February 7, 2012 from http://www.ymca.net/news-releases/20100827-childhood-obesity-awareness.html.

Comfort Keepers. Senior nutrition: balanced nutrition leads to a healthier life. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://interactivecaregiving.com/senior-nutrition.

Caring Right at Home. Seniors aren’t spared by today’s obesity epidemic. Retrieved on February 8, 2012 from http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.1641/article.6925/

Dryden, Jim. Washington University in St. Louis – Newsroom (2012). Diet-exercise combo best for obese seniors. Retrieved on February 8, 2012, from http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/22091.aspx.




Heart Health Facts

Posted on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 2:46 pm and filed under Healthy Living, Heart Health

Comfort Keepers 123 Care Coordinator Kay Bunke attended the Women’s Ideas Network luncheon on February 15, 2012 sponsored by UC Health.  Shyamala Jagtap, MD spoke on women’s heart health since February is American Heart Month.  We would like to share with you some of the facts and information shared by Dr. Jagtap. 

Shyamala Jagtap, MD

 

FACTS:

  • 1 in 4 deaths in both men and women in 2011 in the US were caused by Coronary Artery Disease
  • More than half of those deaths were in women
  • Number of deaths from stroke & heart attack is more than all cancers combined
  • The incidents of silent heart attacks are higher in women than men.
  • This results in higher incidence of complications like:  death, heart failure, arrhythmia or irregular rhythms, valve problems and rarely heart rupture.

Risk Factors for Heart Attacks:

  • Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol
  • Behaviours like smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high fats and cholesterol in diet, excessive alcohol intake
  • Family history of heart attack at early age
  • Others like Obstructive Sleep Apnea, cocaine use

 

Women have additional risk of heart disease if they have:

  • Metabolic Syndrome with waist lines of greater than 35 inches, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol and fasting blood sugars of more than 100.
  • Have chronic inflammation anywhere in their body like gums & joints
  • Had preeclampsia when they were pregnant.  Preeclampsia is high blood pressure & protein in the urine.
  • Frequent hot flashes in menopause
  • Exposure to even second hand smoke or if they smoke.  The deleterious effect of smoking is more prominent in women.
  • They have a lot of mental stress or depression

 

Typical Symptoms of heart attack are not common in women.  They may have:

  • Neck, shoulder, upper back, abdominal discomfort
  • Shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, fatigue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Sore throat
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea/Vomiting

 

The good news is you can take action to reduce your personal risk of heart disease by living a healthy lifestyle.  The first step for women is to visit their doctor for a thorough checkup.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your heart health, including those provided below by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

  • What is my risk for heart disease?
  • What is my blood pressure?  What does it mean for me, and what do I need to  do  about it?
  • What are my cholesterol numbers?  (These include total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood and food.)  What do they mean for me and what do I need to do about them?
  • What are my “body-mass index” and waist measurement?  Do they mean that I need to lose weight for my health?
  • What is my blood sugar level and does it mean I’m at risk for diabetes?  If so, what do I need to do about it?
  • What other screening tests for heart disease do I need?
  • What can you do to help me quit smoking?
  • How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
  • What is a heart healthy eating plan for me?
  • How can I tell if I may be having a heart attack?  If I think I’m having one, what should I do?

Take steps today to improve your heart health and reduce your chances of developing heart disease.




Nutritious Eating For the Heart & Brain

Posted on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 at 11:27 am and filed under Healthy Living, Heart Health

When you take healthful eating to heart, it will go to your head, too.

A well-balanced, heart-healthy diet—rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains—reduces plaque build-up in the arteries to help deliver a free-flowing stream of oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain. This boosts mental performance, slows the aging process and lowers the risk of dementia.

Nutritious eating benefits the brain in many ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Some vitamins—particularly folate and B12—help prevent the inflammation that causes plaque to narrow arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, which, in turn, can diminish cognitive function. Folate comes from cooked, dry beans, peas, peanuts, oranges and orange juice, dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens, fortified cereals and enriched grain products. B12 is in salmon, trout, beef, poultry, cheese, eggs and fortified cereals.
  • Antioxidants—such as vitamins A, C and E and nutrients lutein, lycopene and selenium—promote brain health. Good sources include dark-skinned fruits and vegetables. Vegetables include kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits high in antioxidants include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. Almonds, pecans and walnuts also are good antioxidant sources.
  • Some minerals boost brain function. Iron—from organ meats, beef, pork and most legumes—supports focus and concentration. Zinc—from beef and other meats, oysters, whole-grain bread and soybeans—sharpens verbal memory, helping word recall.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, halibut, mackerel and tuna, help build gray matter, promoting intellectual performance. WebMD reports that one study found that healthy adults who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had the most gray matter in brain areas that regulate mood. Among cooking oils, canola and walnut oil, are the best sources of omega-3s. On the other hand, a diet high in saturated fats may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Maintaining a healthy body weight—through healthful diet and exercise—is essential to heart and mind. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that a long-term study of 1,500 adults found that those who were obese in middle age were twice as likely to develop dementia. And those who also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure were six times at greater risk of dementia.




Five Steps to Fight Holiday Weight Gain

Posted on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 at 2:03 pm and filed under Healthy Living, Holiday

The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it excitement, gatherings with family and friends, parties and good cheer.  Along with the festivities are special dishes and treats made only during this special time.  Mouthwatering turkey and gravy, sweet potato and pumpkin pies, cookies, cakes and other goodies are sure to entice even the most health-conscious to eat entirely too much of these delicious foods.

The average person gains less than five pounds over the holidays, but the problem with any holiday weight gain is that people who take on extra pounds during this time rarely lose them.  This is not good news for some seniors, as added weight can negatively affect ongoing health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.  The pressure of additional weight can also aggravate joint problems .

For these reasons alone, healthy eating year-round is very important for the elderly.  However, during the holidays, maintaining a healthy diet is especially hard for many.  The following are a few suggestions seniors can use to avoid those extra pounds, but still enjoy their favorite treats throughout the season.

  • Eat breakfasts filled with protein and fiber, which provide essential nutrients that satisfy hunger for a longer period of time. Drink plenty of water during the day.  Water contains no calories and causes the stomach to feel full.  This helps avoid the tendency to sit down at the holiday dinner table and overindulge or snack on unhealthy goodies between meals. 

 

  • Encourage seniors to pick out their favorite dishes and forgo eating other treats so they can eat more of the foods they like best.  For instance, if they know they are attending a party in the evening, select a bowl of whole grain cereal with fruit for breakfast, paving the way for a more favored dish later. 

 

  • A good rule-of-thumb for the holiday meal plate is to have nearly three-quarters of it filled with colorful vegetables or fruits.  Avoid calorie-filled gravy, sauces and cheeses, or take very small portions of these dishes.  The remainder of the plate should contain meat.  Lean meats and seafood, if available, is a healthy alternative to other fatty meat choices. 

 

  • Turn down second helpings.  If appropriate, speak with the host in advance regarding the need to maintain a healthy holiday meal plan and help him or her understand why guests may decline seconds. It will help make dinner time a more enjoyable experience. 

 

  • Exercising is an essential element in burning off calories.  If able, seniors should take a walk around the block.  Daily physical activity also helps ward off holiday blues and maintain energy levels needed to make it through the hustle and bustle of the holidays!

 

Eating well at any age is vitally important, but as people grow older, good nutrition is an even more important element in maintaining overall good health.  Try not to let the holiday feasts get the best of the seniors in your life.  Assist them in making meal decisions, with a little thought and planning.  It is possible to make healthy choices throughout the holidays but still enjoy traditional treats…without the worry of excessive weight gain this holiday season!




Aging Gracefully & Sleeping Well

Posted on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 at 2:07 pm and filed under Aging, Healthy Living

According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults need approximately 7-9 hours of sleep a night in order to maintain overall healthy lifestyles.   There is no dispute that as people age, disruptions in sleep patterns often occur.  However, the thought that these disruptions are merely a normal part of the aging process is simply not true. 

Although having difficulty sleeping is not caused by aging itself, the problem can result from underlying issues the elderly face as they age.   A common cause of restlessness in older adults is waking to use the bathroom frequently, which could indicate an enlarged prostate in men and incontinence in women.  Restless leg syndrome, heartburn, arthritis, cancer, heart failure, and lung disease can cause sleepless nights.  Parkinson’s disease, depression, dementia, and certain medications can also deprive one of a good night’s rest.  Napping during the day and caffeine or alcohol consumption could be the culprits.  Also, spending more time indoors and less time in the sun can disrupt the circadian biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. 

Not getting enough sleep can cause seniors to become depressed and to be overly tired during daytime hours.  Lack of sleep can also lead to an increased risk of falls, issues with attention and memory retention, and the prolonged use of night-time sleep aids. 

No matter your age, a good night’s sleep is critical if you wish to age gracefully and maintain a high quality of life in your golden years.  Well-rested people tend to be happier and have more energy than those who do not get enough sleep, and therefore have a better outlook on life.  

Sleeping well is crucial and tricks for doing so can be undertaken at any age.  Here are a few tips Comfort Keepers® recommends that will help you get a better night’s sleep:

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption in the evening hours
  • Exercise every day and within your capability
  • Do not take naps, or limit them to 20-30 minutes early in the day
  • Spend some time every afternoon outside in the sun when possible
  • Limit intake of liquids before bedtime so you do not wake to go to the restroom
  • Try to go to bed at the same time every night



Get Moving: How to Slow the Effects of Aging

Posted on Friday, September 30th, 2011 at 8:37 am and filed under Aging, Healthy Living

Just because you are getting older, it does not mean you have to look it—or feel it. With a little effort, you can slow the telltale signs of aging. Research and senior citizens who exercise and eat a good, balanced diet are proving this.

Research at the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato, Calif., reaffirms the health benefits of exercise and found that it can even reverse the aging process.

The study discovered that a healthy group of seniors (average age 70), after exercising twice a week for six months, made impressive gains in strength, closing in on a healthy group of young people (average age 21). But the more remarkable finding was that gene samples from leg muscles of the older subjects had reversed back to resemble those of the younger counterparts.

In other words, scientists are finding that inactivity is to blame for many of the changes that take place when we get older. Time may not gain on us as fast, if we keep moving.

And that does not just go for physical health. Exercise and physical activity such as yard work also helps keep the mind in shape, lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improving memory and cognitive function by improving circulation.

As exercise lifts your spirits and helps you feel better and more energetic, it can give you a healthful outer glow.

Eating better

Combined with exercise, healthful eating also can slow aging. Start simply by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal. Add a banana to whole grain cereal. Fix yourself a salad with dinner (easy on the dressing). Make a big pot of vegetable soup and freeze some for future meals.

Other ways to improve your diet: choose leaner cuts of meats, snack on nuts instead of potato chips, cut out or reduce consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol, stop taking seconds and eat smaller portions. Visit the Centers for Disease Control website for more practical nutritional advice (http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html).

By making simple changes in our lives—getting more active and improving our eating habits—we can make a difference for the better and for the long run.

Take the First Step

While scientists are finding it is never too late to start exercising and reaping its benefits, see your physician before your first exercise session.

Knowing your current state of health, your doctor can advise what type of exercise would be most appropriate for you. And as your health improves, he or she may give thumbs up to turning it up a notch.

Here are a few suggestions:

•       Choose exercise you enjoy. You will definitely be more likely to stay faithful to it. However, vary your routine to prevent boredom.

•       An in-home care provider can help facilitate physical activity for a senior, providing transportation to an exercise program or serving as a walking companion.

•       Find indoor activities you enjoy when it is too cold or too hot to go out. For instance, take a dancing class, walk at a mall, take a class at a senior center or YMCA.

•       Find ways to add more steps to your day. For instance, park farther away from store entrances or take your pet for a walk.




Be On Guard This Cold & Flu Season

Posted on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 at 12:59 pm and filed under Healthy Living

 

Please don’t forget to get vaccinated early this fall against the seasonal flu virus. It is the best preventive measure against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.

The CDC reports that each year more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized due to seasonal flu and its complications such as pneumonia—and 36,000 of them will die. Seniors make up the majority of these numbers.

It is critical that seniors—and the people who care for them—get vaccinated. Annual shots are necessary, as flu strains change each year. (The CDC has lowered the recommended senior age for seasonal flu shots from 65 and over, to 50 and over.)

The National Institute on Aging reports that flu shots reduce hospitalization by about 70 percent and death by about 85 percent among seniors who do not live in nursing homes.

Other recommendations for staying healthy and controlling the transfer of germs this cold and flu season include:

  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth or nose with a tissue, and throw the tissue away immediately. Also wash your hands right away.
  • When you do not have a tissue, turn your head away from people and cough into the air or into your sleeve.
  • Wash your hands frequently, as you can pick up germs from door knobs, telephones and other items you touch. Wash with warm soapy water for at least 15 seconds and dry your hands thoroughly.
  • When a sink is not handy, clean your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant gel or hand wipes.
  • When you are sick, avoid close contact with others, and whenever possible stay home. When ill, family caregivers should make arrangements for a replacement caregiver. Also, try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth, as you may have touched objects contaminated with germs.

 

You will also lower your cold and flu risk by taking good care of yourself. Good health practices can bolster your immunity to cold and flu viruses. For instance:

  • Eat a nutritious, balanced diet, eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish and avoid red meat.
  • Drink plenty of fluids—eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids are recommended for adults.
  • Get enough sleep so you feel rested. Lack of adequate sleep lowers immunity.
  • Regular moderate exercise helps increase the body’s natural virus-killing cells.
  • Relax, reduce stress and maintain a positive outlook. Caregivers, for instance, can find relief from the stress of their responsibilities by arranging respite care.
  • Cut alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.



Life Goes Better With Exercise

Posted on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 am and filed under Healthy Living

The benefits of exercise, unlike the Fountain of Youth, are real—even for senior citizens who avoided exercise in their younger years.

Many research studies prove that seniors can improve their health and extend their longevity and time of independent living by extending their arms and legs in regular physical activity:

  • According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, regular aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises can lower seniors’ chances of major walking disabilities. The study involved individuals ages 70 to 89, including those who had been sedentary for years.
  • A study at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston involved seniors who were physically inactive and had a variety of health problems. Those who stayed on track with the study’s exercise program showed the greatest improvement in physical functioning.
  • A study at the Accident Research Center in Victoria, Australia, was more specific in focus, concluding that exercise reduces at-home falls among the elderly more than home safety modifications or vision correction.
  • Yet another study, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reported that improvement in physical function was greatest for the previously least active participants in a tai chi class that met twice a week for six months.

 

An exercise program that combines aerobic conditioning, flexibility, strength training, and relaxation techniques offers seniors—all of us, actually—a multitude of benefits. Among them:

  • Coordination and mobility. Makes chores and activities easier, leading to greater independence.
  • Balance.  Lessens the risk of falling.
  • Strength and endurance. Improves ability to perform daily activities of living, without stress.
  • Immunity. Strengthens body’s defenses against infection and shortens recovery time.
  • Strong bones. Reduces risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.
  • Strong heart and lungs. Lowers risk of heart disease.
  • Disease prevention and management. Decreases risk of chronic conditions such as dementia, diabetes and various cancers.
  • Joint health. Promotes weight loss and strengthens muscles, putting less stress on joints.  Also, the repetitive motion of exercise promotes the body’s natural lubrication of joints, helping manage arthritis pain.
  • Attitude. Heightens self-confidence and mood. Natural endorphins produced by exercise help alleviate depression.
  • Social life. Provides opportunities to meet people in group activities and classes.
  • Rest. Promotes restful sleep, which decreases disease risk.
  • Mental function. Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by improving circulation and memory.
  • Metabolism and weight loss. Makes the body an efficient calorie-burning machine. Muscle burns more calories than fat.

Just like a balanced diet from the basic food groups, exercise best promotes good health and independent living when it consists of a variety of activities, including:

  • Aerobic conditioning. Activities such as walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing and low-impact aerobics improve heart and lung health and help manage weight. A suggested workout routine is up to 30 minutes a day most days of the week. For those with arthritis, low- to no-impact exercise such as water aerobics, swimming, elliptical trainer and stationary bicycle may be best.
  •  Flexibility and agility exercises.  These include stretching and activities like yoga or tai chi. They help increase range of motion and improve balance, which helps prevent falls. 
  • Strength training.  This includes working with free weights, resistance rubber bands and weight machines. These activities strengthen bones and muscles, making daily activities easier to accomplish.
  •  Relaxation techniques. Yoga classes include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, which help support overall cardiac fitness, lower blood pressure, and may even improve the immune system.

 

For suggestions on adopting an exercise program, read the National Institute on Aging’s exercise guide, available at www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/default.htm.

*Always check with your healthcare provider prior to beginning any exercise routines.




What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain

Posted on Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 at 9:05 am and filed under Healthy Living

When you take healthful eating to heart, it will go to your head, too.

A well-balanced, heart-healthy diet—rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains—reduces plaque build-up in the arteries to help deliver a free-flowing stream of oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain. This boosts mental performance, slows the aging process and lowers the risk of dementia.

Nutritious eating benefits the brain in many ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Some vitamins—particularly folate and B12—help prevent the inflammation that causes plaque to narrow arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, which, in turn, can diminish cognitive function. Folate comes from cooked, dry beans, peas, peanuts, oranges and orange juice, dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens, fortified cereals and enriched grain products. B12 is in salmon, trout, beef, poultry, cheese, eggs and fortified cereals.
  • Antioxidants—such as vitamins A, C and E and nutrients lutein, lycopene and selenium—promote brain health. Good sources include dark-skinned fruits and vegetables. Vegetables include kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits high in antioxidants include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. Almonds, pecans and walnuts also are good antioxidant sources.
  • Some minerals boost brain function. Iron—from organ meats, beef, pork and most legumes—supports focus and concentration. Zinc—from beef and other meats, oysters, whole-grain bread and soybeans—sharpens verbal memory, helping word recall.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, halibut, mackerel and tuna, help build gray matter, promoting intellectual performance. WebMD reports that one study found that healthy adults who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had the most gray matter in brain areas that regulate mood. Among cooking oils, canola and walnut oil, are the best sources of omega-3s. On the other hand, a diet high in saturated fats may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Maintaining a healthy body weight—through healthful diet and exercise—is essential to heart and mind. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that a long-term study of 1,500 adults found that those who were obese in middle age were twice as likely to develop dementia. And those who also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure were six times at greater risk of dementia.




Aging Gracefully: Changes in the Taste Buds & Sense of Smell

Posted on Thursday, August 25th, 2011 at 11:55 am and filed under Aging, Healthy Living, Interactive Caregiving

Taste buds…who ever really gives them a thought?  When you eat, you either like foods you are trying, or you do not.  Even though you learned in grade school what taste buds are, once you passed that test, you quite possibly have not considered them again as the reason why certain foods taste good or bad, sweet or sour, spicy or mild. 

The fact is, you are born with 9,000 taste buds, which work in tandem with your sense of smell, as your sense of taste relies primarily on odors.  Our sense of smell and taste change as we age.  Beginning around age 40-50, the number of taste buds decreases, and the rest begin to shrink, losing mass vital to their operation.  At age 60 and after, some people begin to lose the ability to distinguish between the taste of sweet, salty, sour and bitter foods.  Sense of smell does not begin to fade until after the age of 70; its loss exacerbates the loss of taste for those affected. Whether these changes are due to simple aging alone, or caused by disease, environmental factors or smoking throughout a person’s lifetime is up for debate.  However, the actual reason taste and smell declines with age may not be as important as the result can be for the elderly.

For many, losing the senses of taste and smell may mean diminished appetites. The aroma of a delicious meal is what causes one to long for a taste.   If food suddenly does not smell or taste as it once did, some seniors may not eat as much as they should.  They may lose interest in fruits, vegetables and other dishes that provide nourishment critical to maintaining good health.  Because saliva production also diminishes with age, some seniors experience dry mouth and may have difficulty swallowing.  For the elderly this can sometimes mean that eating becomes more of a chore than an enjoyment, again possibly leading to malnourishment. 

In addition, seniors who lose their sense of smell are at risk of failing to detect the scent of rancid milk and food, or poisonous gases.  However, Comfort Keepers® believes there are a few things seniors can do to overcome these obstacles.  For seniors who are losing sense of smell, install visual gas detection monitors that will alert them of any harmful gas present in their homes. Check the due dates on all food before consuming, and if a container does not list a due date, write the date of purchase on it with a permanent marker.  Additional spices and seasonings can be added to food to enhance flavor and marinating meat or poultry may help. 

Being proactive is critical.  If you live too far away to help, hire a Comfort Keeper® to aid your loved one in purchasing healthy food, cooking and even labeling packages to freeze for future meals.  Comfort Keepers also offer companionship during meals, help cleaning afterward and are always up for participating in a game night or simply sharing stories after dinner!

Losing sense of taste and smell may not be fun, but it does not mean that the good life is over.  You can prepare yourself, and your senior loved one, for these changes in advance.  Be prepared to accept change, adapt, and be aware of potential hazards.  By doing so, you can commit to aging gracefully…every step of the way.

For more tips and even a nutrition test to ensure your whole family is on a healthy track, visit www.interactivecaregiving.com, created by Comfort Keepers® with the best interests of seniors, their families and caregivers in mind.