Let’s face it, we all age and as we age our bodies change in many different ways. You probably feel differently now as opposed to a few years ago. We all wish there was a magic pill we could take to reverse the effects of aging. We can stay healthy by eating right, exercising daily and making sure we get proper medical care. Once we reach the age of 60, we begin to have a decrease in our sense of smell and taste. This is why many people who are older find a regularly seasoned food bland, or food too salty or spicy. Medications can also play a role in taste changes. Following a few tips can ensure you receive top quality nutrition and keep your body healthy.

• It is common to feel less hungry when you get older, so try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to make sure you are getting enough food.
  
  
• If you cannot eat an entire meal in one sitting, eat what you can and put the rest in the refrigerator for later.
  
  
• If food does not taste as good as it use to, try new seasonings, such as fresh herbs and spices. This may help you enjoy your food more.
  
  
• Try eating plenty of fiber daily to help with bowel regularity. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals and beans.
  
  
• Fiber plays another role; it helps protect us against the development of heart disease and lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.
  
  
• It is important as we age to keep our bones healthy and strong, and to do this we need 2-3 servings of dairy products daily. Two nutrients that are needed for bone health are calcium and Vitamin D. We get calcium from dairy products and Vitamin D from fortified foods such as milk. You can also get Vitamin D from 10 minutes of sun exposure daily.
  
  
• Poor vision often accompanies aging. Two vitamins responsible for vision are Vitamins A and C. The best sources of Vitamins A and C are fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• If you have high blood pressure, it is important to watch your salt and sodium intake. The best way is to limit consumption of processed foods, don’s use salt when eating, and rinse canned vegetables under running water before eating them.
  
  
• If you have high cholesterol, limit your intake of cholesterol rich foods such as eggs and meat. You should have no more than three egg yolks per week.
  
  
• Make sure to consume adequate sources of Vitamin B12 which is important for nerve function and can prevent anemia. Good sources of Vitamin B12 are dairy products, eggs and meat.
  
  
• If you are a diabetic, control your blood sugar and make sure you eat balanced meals throughout the day.
  
  
• Remember to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
  
  
• Stay active. Walk in your yard or neighborhood. If you have any concerns, check with your doctor before starting any physical activity.
  
  
• Eat with friends, family or at the Senior Center to make meals enjoyable and for social interaction.
  
  
• Stay curious. An active mind usually means a healthy mind.
  
  
• If you wear dentures, make sure they fit properly on you, or you will have chewing problems.
  
  
• Remember food safety. Always wash hands before meals and check food expiration dates. When in doubt throw it out.

Sources: Ohio State University Extension Service and West Virginia State University Extension Service.