In my last post I explained why a poor diet, low in nutritional value, can have negative impact on an aging baby boomer. The pieces and parts just don't work as well. I also made some quick suggestions about what you can do to take in more protein.
The fact is getting older does affect your appetite. One of the primary reasons is that senses of smell and taste diminish so food doesn't taste as good. Another reason is not being able to chew food as well because you are having problems with your dentures. Aging also reduces our body's production of certain digestive enzymes and acids so we don't absorb food nutrients as well.
Chronic illnesses and conditions can also decrease the appetite. So can depression because we're not motivated to prepare the meals. And Parkinson makes it difficult to swallow the food. On top of all that medications can exacerbate the physiological effects of getting older and suppress the appetite even more. For instance, a dry mouth, which can interfere with chewing, is a side effect of many drugs including antidepressants.
As we get older we need to pay more attention to our diets and to specific nutrients. For instance we need to make certain we're getting enough vitamin B6 (potatoes, bananas and beans),B12 (salmon),C (fresh fruits and vegetables), E (nuts and seeds), and calcium (dairy foods and leafy green vegetables).
You may want to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. You probably will need more of vitamin D because it's hard to take in if you live in the northern states since the body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun.
In general, as you age, you need to take in foods that are rich in nutrients such as protein found in poultry and lean meat, fruits and vegetables and good fats like those found in oily fish.
I welcome your tips for eating the right foods as you age. Scroll down to Comments and type your suggestions.
To your successful aging.
Ruthan Brodsky