Questions to ask a dietician about senior dietary needs

During March each year, we celebrate Registered Dietitian Day. Many people have heard the term, but do you know how these professionals can help your senior loved ones? Here are some questions individuals should ask a dietitian about senior nutrition:

Should I lose weight?

Many seniors find their metabolism slows as they grow older. Conditions like arthritis may make it difficult for them to be as active as they were when they were younger. Their digestion may also change, altering their diet altogether. These factors can all combine to cause some weight gain. Your senior loved one may be wondering if he or she should try to lose some excess weight to feel better and be healthier  overall. A dietitian can take a look at his or her weight and body mass index to determine if getting more exercise and changing eating habits are good ideas.

The dietician can then recommend some better alternatives to foods the senior commonly eats. If he or she enjoys desserts it may be time to swap out chocolate for the natural sweetness of fruits like grapes or vegetables such as carrots. A dietitian can also look at the menu for the dining room at the senior’s care center and suggest which meals would best benefit the individual. While these communities offer many healthy options, certain choices may provide more weight-loss benefits like less saturated fat and complex carbohydrates. The senior can then take this food knowledge and use it when choosing or making meals.

How should I eat to deal with my diabetes?

To manage diabetes, seniors cannot simply take insulin and feel better. Instead, they should take a more holistic approach, which might include altering their diets. A dietitian could suggest what time to eat to promote stable blood sugar levels, as well as what foods to avoid. The professional may suggest eating foods that are low in natural or added sugars as these can cause a spike in blood sugar. He or she can explain the importance of eating complex and simple carbohydrates instead to stay at healthy insulin levels and stave off hunger.

Are there any foods that will improve my digestion?

The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics found that individuals between the ages of 65 and 79 may receive as many as 27 prescriptions per year. These include blood pressure medication, glaucoma treatments, pain relievers and more. One of the most common side effects of taking so many medicines is digestion issues. Some people experience frequent diarrhea while others are constipated. Your older loved one may find that adjusting his or her diet can help alleviate these symptoms.

A dietitian can recommend adding more fiber like wheat and barley, fruits and beans. Or, the professional may suggest cutting back on salt and instead going for bland foods to ease gastrointestinal distress. Your senior loved one should bring a list of his or her medications to share with the dietitian, who can use that information when formulating a nutrition plan.