A balanced diet can help senior citizens reduce risk of disease
BY ELAINE WILLIAMS The Villas at Gulf Breeze

Picture courtesy of Daniel T.Yara Ground meat and prepared vegetables often found in soups are easier for senior citizens to chew and swallow.

March is National Nutrition Month and I wanted to take this time to focus on Nutrition for Seniors. Food provides the energy and nutrition needed to be healthy. According to The National Library of Medicine, a good diet in later years reduces risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers. To maintain a good diet, one must choose healthy foods. People should avoid foods that have lots of calories, but few nutrients, because they are considered empty calories. Foods that have empty calories are cookies, soda and chips. Instead, eat foods such as meat, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sometimes, eating the proper foods is impacted by a senior's inability to chew certain foods. In order to receive the nutrients they need, try substituting foods that are easier to chew, but still have good nutritional value. Examples could be fruit juices, canned fruits and applesauce instead of fresh fruit. Also, cooked, steamed and mashed vegetables can be substituted for raw vegetables. Ground meat, eggs, milk, yogurt and cream soups could be substituted for meat.

Another problem that impacts seniors' nutrition is the inability to cook. Because of physical or cognitive impairments, seniors may not be able to cook for themselves. Depending on the situation, this problem could be compensated for by using microwaves instead of gas or electric stoves. In addition, seniors may participate in a meal program that provides meals in the home. Seniors can also have meals at local hospitals, senior homes or other facilities that provide Adult Day Care.

On March 20, Marie Mott, a registered dietician with the Escambia County Health Department will be at The Villas at Gulf Breeze to discuss senior nutrition. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Michele Tassin-Gomez at 850-934-1061. Senior Nutrition seminar

March 20 at The Villas

On March 20, Marie Mott, a registered dietician with the Escambia County Health Department will be at The Villas at Gulf Breeze to discuss senior nutrition. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served.