How Much Do You Know About Seniors and Nutrition?

March is Nutrition Month—a great time to learn more about the dietary needs of older adults!

While the basic guidelines for a healthy diet are pretty much the same for people of every age, older adults have special needs and concerns. If your senior loved one has never given much thought to nutrition, now is the time to begin the conversation about his or her dietary choices and the effects of nutrition on all-around health.

Check out your knowledge of the nutritional needs and concerns of seniors:

1. The average person gains 10 to 20 pounds from age 45 to 65. This is...

A. Normal and desirable. We need body fat to keep us warm.
B. To be avoided. A person's recommended weight remains the same throughout adulthood.
C. Unusual. Few people gain weight as they grow older.
D. Caused only by growing older, and not by inactivity or overeating.

Answer: B. Avoiding excess weight gain as we grow older helps us remain active and independent. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for preventing or managing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

2. Being significantly underweight...

A. Is a "red flag" for possible health problems.
B. Is great—the thinner the better!
C. Can lead to fatigue, mental confusion and depression.
D. A and C

Answer: D. Recent studies confirm that a slight weight "reserve" is beneficial for elders. When a senior loses too much weight, he or she is at greater risk for osteoporosis and other health problems. Unexplained weight loss should be investigated right away.

3. Poor diet in older adults can lead to...

A. Osteoporosis
B. Mental confusion
C. Increased risk of falls
D. All of the above

Answer: D. During our senior years, it's as important as ever to consume the nutrients our bodies need for good health. Sometimes without anyone noticing right away, an older loved one can be caught up in a cycle of poor nutrition and health problems. It’s important to address the problems that lead to appetite loss.

4. Loss of appetite can be caused by...

A. Depression and loneliness
B. Certain medications
C. Tooth or denture problems
D. All of the above

Answer: D. Mood disorders; some medications taken for conditions such as heart disease and pain control; and tooth problems and ill-fitting dentures are all common causes of appetite loss in seniors. So the first step is to address these problems. Your loved one’s healthcare provider may also recommend nutritional supplements if weight loss continues to be a problem.

5. If a person has Parkinson's, stroke, arthritis or other condition that makes eating difficult, he or she...

A. Will never be able to relearn independent eating
B. Should not rely on adaptive devices like long-handled spoons
C. Can get help from a rehabilitation therapist
D. Should be discouraged from trying to feed him- or herself

Answer: C. Physical limitations are another major cause of poor nutrition. If your loved one finds eating to be difficult or discouraging, an occupational therapist can offer innovative ways to eat as independently as possible. Speech-language therapists provide help for swallowing disorders. And home health aides can assist clients with safe eating.

6. People with heart disease should limit the intake of...

A. Cholesterol and saturated fat
B. Citrus fruit
C. Whole grains
D. Nuts

Answer: A. Limiting cholesterol intake is important for preventing and managing heart disease. High fat and cholesterol diets are also linked with increased risk of stroke, cancer and other disorders. Choices B, C and D on the list are all foods that promote heart health.

7. Which of these foods does not contain cholesterol?

A. Avocado
B. Beef
C. Cheese
D. Eggs

Answer: A. Avocadoes, while higher in calories than most fruits and vegetables, contain a healthy type of fat. Cholesterol is only found in meat and dairy products.

8. Older adults are the age group most likely to...

A. Get all the nutrients they need from food sources alone
B. Be targeted by sellers of fraudulent nutritional products and supplements
C. Prepare a home-cooked meal every night
D. Eat in a social setting

Answer: B. Seniors are often targeted by unscrupulous companies who sell useless and possibly dangerous vitamins or food supplements. These companies make attractive but impossible claims about “miracle anti-aging” products. Encourage your loved one to consult the doctor about the appropriate vitamins and nutritional supplements.

9. Seniors on a limited income sometimes skimp on nutritious foods. But help is available though...

a. Meals on Wheels
b. Congregate eating centers such as "Seniors Hot Lunch"
c. Food banks
d. All of the above

Answer: D. Help older loved ones learn about nutrition resources available in the community. A good place to start is the Seniors Canada website, where you can find links to services in your province or territory.

10. When it comes to sodium (salt)…

A. Seniors should avoid it entirely
B. Most Canadians don't consume enough
C. The salt that naturally occurs in food is adequate
D. We only need to avoid chips and other salty foods

Answer: C. While we all need some sodium in our diets, the salt that naturally occurs in the foods we eat is usually enough. Most Canadians consume far too much salt, which leads to an increase in high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart problems. If your loved one’s doctor has prescribed a low-sodium diet, remove the salt shaker from the table and read food labels to look for hidden sodium.

How did you do on this quiz? Learn more about the special nutritional needs of seniors!

Celebrate Nutrition Month 2010! This year's theme is "Celebrate Food…From Field to Table," and the Dietitians of Canada are focusing on educating Canadians about how to make the most of local nutrition resources. Their website is a great source of information on wise eating choices for seniors and the whole family.

You can also find the Canada's Food Guide booklet on the Health Canada website and use the interactive "My Food Guide" tool.

Just for Fun "Natural Nutrients" Wordfind In honor of Nutrition Month, give your brain a workout with this month's puzzle, which contains the names of 16 important nutrients. Download the puzzle and see if you can find them all!