Nutritional Intake

Nutritional Intake
Name
Institution

Abstract
Good eating habits are essential at any individual’s age. However, there exist some limitations in the health and physical defects which has made it difficult for the seniors to obtain the nutrients needed for a balanced diet. Essentially, most of the seniors often not eat well as required due to various reasons such as financial constraints and physical limitations. Certain medications reduce appetite making meals unappealing. Due to the side effects of some drugs, it becomes difficult for the seniors to consume the recommended nutritional intake which leads to deteriorating health. The purpose of this study is to present a review of the appropriate guidelines for intervention to ensure that the seniors consume the recommended nutritional intake in the foods that they eat. It will also focus on the specific dietary details to be included in the guidelines. This study aims at informing the caregivers and family members of the seniors whose nutritional intake is affected by the side effects of certain medications. The guidelines provided will ensure that the seniors take in the required nutrients in the meals that they consume.

Nutritional Intake
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and independence of a senior. Fundamentally, medication side effects may affect the feeding behaviors of a senior and are less likely to eat even if the body requires food and calories. Therefore, interventions need to be put in place to ensure that they receive a proper nutritional intake.

Since many of the seniors do not eat as much food as they are required, they should be given nutritionally-dense food which entails unprocessed foods which have calories and nutrients basing on their size. Some of the foods entail fresh fruits, grains, fats, vegetables, legumes, meat, and dairy products. Also, food may be made appealing to stimulate appetite through enhancing aromas and flavors using herbs, dressings, marinades, and sauces. Since the medications make the seniors not to feel hungry, another intervention would be encouraging healthy snacking through several mini-meals throughout the day.
Moreover, eating should be made a social event specifically to the seniors who live alone and have lost their appetite. For such seniors, meals should be prepared on a family occasion. A family member can take a hot meal to the home of the senior or invite the person to the place regularly. Notably, this could bring interest in food to the elderly when other people are around. Additionally, seniors should be allowed to go to the stores to purchase their preferred food. Also, it is evident that the type of food affects the appetite with liquid meals such as enriched soups and drinks providing increased energy intake for the elderly who have reduced appetite (Leidy et al., 2010). A pleasant eating environment should also be created for the seniors.

ReferenceLeidy H, Apolzan J, Mattes R, et al. (2010). Food Form and Portion Size Affect Postprandial Appetite Sensations and Hormonal Responses in Healthy, Nonobese, Older Adults. Obesity; 18:293–299.