Health Tip: Help Prevent Malnutrition in Seniors

Offer healthy foods and snacks

(HealthDay News) -- Seniors are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, so caretakers must ensure that the elderly get enough carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this advice:

• Provide plenty of healthy foods and snacks.
• Flavor foods with fresh herbs and spices, avoiding salt.
• Offer prepackaged supplements, such as nutrition shakes.
• Promote daily exercise, even a little bit, to help stimulate appetite and promote strong bones and muscles.
• Plan social activities centering around meals and exercise.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: July 30, 2012

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