Eating and Aging

As you age, problems that affect your ability to eat may surface. Ill-fitting dentures, constipation, gas, diarrhea or a special diet are all factors that may make eating a bit unpleasant.

The University of Virginia Medical Center suggests ways to deal with these problems:

• Drink seven to eight glasses of water or other fluids per day. This will prevent dehydration and possibly protect against illness.
• Identify the best time of day to eat your biggest meal and then make sure you eat foods full of nutrients.
• Eat with others. You're likely to eat better when a meal is also a social occasion.
• Find ways to make food tastier. Better tasting food sparks the appetite. You can add herbs and spices, maple syrup, bacon bits and butter flavorings.
• Try to eat slowly, sit up straight when you eat, and eat small meals frequently. This will cut down on the amount of gas you have.
• Avoid lying down flat at least one hour after meals. This allows for proper digestion.
• Include softer foods in your diet, such as cottage cheese, yogurt, casseroles made with ground meat or cheese, canned or very soft fruits.
• Have regular dental check-ups.
• If you suffer from dry mouth, relieve the dryness by drinking something between bites of food. Avoid sugary snacks, caffeine drinks, tobacco and alcohol.

Reference Source 101

For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick Prevention Resources".