By VANESSA McCRAY
TRAVERSE CITY -- Excuses are legion.
For the elderly, there are obstacles to eating properly. Food that requires lots of chewing may be tough to swallow. The sense of taste may decline with age, and it may be difficult for a senior to travel to the grocery store or prepare meals. The cost of food may also pose a problem for those on a tight income. Perhaps, a spouse has died and dining alone is unappetizing.
Some older people may resort to fast foods, limit their selection, not cook the foods correctly or not drink enough water, said local experts. It's wise to be aware of the plethora of diet dangers.
Janis Russell, who owns a local franchise of Home Instead Senior Care, said the company's caregivers will shop for groceries and prepare meals for clients. Among the healthful foods that Home Instead suggests for seniors are oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, blueberries, apples, fish, chicken, broccoli, soy, sweet potatoes, rice and dark chocolate.
Russell's business provides personal care, companionship and assistance for seniors in their home or elsewhere, such as assisted living facilities. Caregivers can help out with a variety of duties, like keeping tabs on food and nutrition. Russell said a senior eats better when the caregiver sits down and the two eat together.
"We monitor what they eat. We actually chart if their eating has gone downhill. We keep the family well-informed," she said.
Connie Metcalf, an outpatient dietitian at Munson Medical Center, said a weight change of 5 percent or more in one month "is a red flag that does need to be addressed." A loss of weight could be a side effect of medication, loneliness or mild depression, she said.
"Seniors just really have a lower calorie need because they are not as active as they once were and their metabolic rates do slow down," Metcalf said.
But quality nutrients are still necessary, and she emphasizes the benefits of three meals a day, fiber and five to eight cups of fluid a day. Those with budget concerns should consider staples such as rice and beans, which can go a long way on a low budget, she said.
At the Grand Traverse Pavilions, registered dietitian Barb Wunsch encourages seniors "to eat what they are able." Seniors are given choices about what to eat there. For those losing too much weight, a higher calorie milk, fortified foods and easy to eat dishes like creamy soups can provide calories, while those who need to drop pounds should eat smaller portions, drink skim milk and have fruit for dessert, Wunsch said.
Senior nutrition checklist
-- Loss of appetite: This could be an indication of an underlying illness for once-hearty eaters.
-- Little or no interest in eating out: Ask seniors why they no longer want to go to favorite restaurants.
-- Depression: Appetite change is a sign of depression; follow up with a physician.
-- Sudden weight fluctuation: Losing or gaining 10 pounds in six months could be a sign something is wrong.
-- Expired or spoiled food: Check the refrigerator and label food with expiration dates in large print.
-- Skin tone: Make sure skin appears healthy and hydrated.
-- Lethargy: Seniors who were once active but are suddenly lethargic should be encouraged to see a doctor.
-- Cognitive problems: Seniors who live alone may forget to eat, and dementia and cognitive difficulties can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
-- More than three medications: Appetite and weight can be impacted by medications. Consult a doctor for more information.
-- Recent illness: Sickness or a hospital stay could make seniors stop eating. Stay updated on the recovery.
-- Source: Home Instead Senior Care
