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Help older adults satisfy their nutritional needs

By Lisa Ryckman, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 20, 2008 at 2:38 p.m.

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I'm worried about my mom. She's over 80 now, and I don't think she's eating as well as she should. My brother says she's fine.

Your concern is well-founded: Malnutrition is a very real problem for older adults, and there are lots of reasons why.

Dr. John Murphy, president of the American Geriatrics Society, says that poor eating habits can deplete an older adult's nutritional resources. "When the body feels it's being undernourished, it uses all of the nutritional reserve, resulting in a weakened immune system," he says.

Murphy cites these factors for why older adults are becoming malnourished and how you can help:

* Fear of obesity: Older adults might worry about the consequences of going over their recommended body mass index. They should talk to their doctors to determine balanced meal plans that work with their medicine and health conditions.

* Heavy lifting: Dairy items like milk and cheese can be heavy and difficult to carry, leading some to eliminate them from their shopping lists. Keeping a small cart in the car trunk makes it easier for older adults to handle heavy grocery items.

* Shopping patterns: Older adults who rely on others for transportation might not be able to shop often enough to buy sufficient nutrient-rich fresh fruits and veggies. Home delivery is an option.

* Fixed incomes: The healthiest options are sometimes the priciest, and those on tight budgets might choose prepackaged, less expensive foods, which often offer less nutritional value. Murphy recommends a daily multivitamin, calcium and vitamin D supplements.

* Trouble chewing: Dental problems can make it difficult for older adults to eat certain foods or meats. Proper dental care is vital to maintaining a balanced diet.

Ryckmanl@RockyMountainNews.com

Here are some healthy muffins that really hit the spot.

Pumpkin Muffins

Serves 12

1/2 cup liquid egg substitute

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Confectioners' sugar, sifted (optional)

* Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray muffin pan with nonstick spray.

* In a large bowl, whisk together egg substitute, applesauce, sugar and pumpkin.

* Sift or stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Gently fold dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture; do not overwork.

* Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan.

* Bake until firm to the touch and lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool.

* If desired, dust lightly with confectioners sugar before serving.

Nutritional information per serving: 103 cal., 0 g fat (0 g sat), 0 mg chol., 24 g carb., 2 g pro., 1 g fiber, 254 mg sodium.