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Nutrition Tips For Seniors September 2, 2009

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Stanford Wellsphere have written an article to help seniors improve their diets and help them understand what exactly they should be eating to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need.

At every stage of life, nutrition is vitally important. We all require healthy foods to help our bodies thrive, regardless of age, but seniors and elderly men and women have specialized nutritional needs.

There are several factors affecting nutrition and healthy dietary choices for seniors. One area that greatly affects the health needs of the elderly is basic body composition.

Hormonal activity, for example, decreases as a person ages. This results in weight gain and the loss of muscle and bone. Other health considerations for people in their senior years are outlined in the following points:

Fluids
As we age, the amount of water found in our bodies naturally decreases. Certain personal habits can also affect these fluid levels. Many seniors don’t drink enough water simply because they don’t feel thirsty. Others find it inconvenient or even difficult to pour a glass of water. These difficulties can cause elderly people to become dehydrated very easily. It is recommended that seniors drink at least one ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Protein
We need protein for good health at every stage of life. Protein prevents wasted muscle and supports a healthy immune system. While most seniors need less energy, they should still eat protein rich foods every day. Fish, eggs, poultry and lean meats are all good sources of protein.

Carbs and fiber
You are probably already aware that seniors require extra fiber. A fiber rich diet combined with plenty of water is valuable in preventing constipation. Further, the carbohydrates found in pasta, cereals, bread and other grain products are an essential ingredient to provide the energy needed by active seniors.

Dietary Fats
The body’s natural metabolism slows down as age increases, so nutrition for seniors means less fat in their diets. It’s important to note that fat should be limited, but not eliminated altogether. You can trim the amount of daily fat intake by choosing fish, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and fat-free or fat-reduced preparation methods.

Stay Strong with Calcium
Calcium is a vital element of nutrition for seniors, and many people simply don’t get enough of it. The daily calcium requirement for seniors is about 1,500 mg per day, a figure that can easily fall short. Older people with digestive problems often struggle with drinking milk, but there are many alternative calcium sources. Try to incorporate non-fat powdered milk into your recipes. Other foods such as low-fat cheese, yogurt and even broccoli are delicious, calcium-rich options.

Iron
Seniors should eat a diet rich in natural sources of iron, including choices like lean red meats and breakfast cereals. Too many older women and men live with iron deficiencies.

Think Zinc
Zinc is one of the often-ignored contributors to good nutrition for seniors, and because zinc isn’t readily absorbed by the body, many adults don’t get enough. Seniors should eat healthy portions of poultry, meat and fish to help meet their daily zinc requirements.

Vitamin B12 and Atrophic Gastritis
Men and women in their senior years often suffer with a condition known as atrophic gastritis, a deficiency of B12. The vitamin B12 is only absorbed into the system when an intrinsic factor is present in the stomach. A person with atrophic gastritis, however, will suffer from an inflammation of the stomach that causes bacterial overgrowth, impeding the intrinsic factor. Supplements are available from the doctor to help patients suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.

People of all ages need a health, balanced diet to grow and remain healthy. It’s important to have a balanced diet with the proper amounts of  nutrients, vitamins and minerals.  Seniors should be particularly careful about their diets, as they must deal with additional age-related health concerns. Ageing causes change, but proper nutrition brings strength and vitality to every body.

Credit Card Tips for Seniors August 26, 2009

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Credit Card Offers have provided three useful credit card tips for seniors to follow

If you’re 50 or older, it might be time to rethink your approach to using credit cards. All of your financial decisions, including which credit cards to use and how to use them, must be adaptable to your changing life as you age. Are credit cards you opened years ago still giving you the best value?

Consider how your lifestyle has changed over the years, and how you expect it could change in the near future. Will interest rates and fees matter more to you in retirement? Would you prefer to earn different rewards (or cut out rewards programmes altogether)? The following credit card tips for seniors are designed to help you make better decisions about your credit card use moving forward.

1. Compare spending habits with income changes.
Even if you choose to stay with your existing credit card companies, you might need to change how you use those credit cards as you get older. For example, if your retirement income is significantly lower than your previous working income (and you don’t have adequate savings or investments to make up the difference), then you may want to stop financing larger purchases with interest in favour of paying off the card every month.

2. Evaluate your rewards programmes.
Rewards programmes offer you an incentive to spend money on your credit card. But do you still need your current rewards?  For example, some elderly individuals have health conditions that make travelling either impossible or at least inconvenient. In those cases a frequent flyer card, like the Emirates Citibank Platinum credit card, might prove to be more costly than beneficial. Keep in mind that rewards cards often come with higher annual fees for entrance into the rewards programme.

3.  Be prepared to negotiate.
If you discover that your current credit card terms aren’t as attractive to you later in life, you may be tempted to close them or transfer balances to another card. While than may be an option for some, remember that if you have a lower income as a senior you may have a more difficult time getting approved for a brand new card. Instead of starting your credit card search from scratch, first consider calling your credit card company to negotiate. It’s less expensive for a company to work with you and give you more favourable terms than it is for them to lose you as a customer and have to find another to replace you.

Being a senior doesn’t necessarily mean you should cut back on credit card use. It just means that you have to be conscious of life changes and how they’ll affect your financial health. If you haven’t taken a good hard look at your credit card terms lately, now is the time to do it before you end up paying interest you can’t afford or yearly fees for rewards programmes that just don’t deliver anymore.

Traveling with a senior citizen August 19, 2009

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 Essortment have provided us with some simple tips to follow when travelling with a senior citizen to ensure you have a successful journey.

Most elderly love to go on trips, some just to get out of the house and others just want to have people to talk to. What ever the reason it can be a fun and enjoyable time if a few steps are taken. A trip to the beach, to view the foliage, historical places, sight seeing, apple and berry picking, Christmas lights is one of my favorites, farms, parks, mountains, hay-rides, zoo, fairs, home town events and yard sales are just a few. Below are a few steps to take to make your trip with the elderly or what some call our senior citizens a success.

Plan - Plan your trip well, know how to get to where you want to go. Keep a map in the car or van. Know where rest-rooms and restaurants are located. Keep an eye out for Hospital signs in case of emergencies. Know the times of special events that you want to see. Be sure to gas up the night before. Have a safety inspection on your car or van.

Flyer - Plan ahead, give your elderly plenty of notice about your trip. A fun way is to give them a flyer or invitation. Make an appointment card for reminders, give a small calendar with the date marked. What ever you decide on be sure to have the date, time and place you will be going and any important information that is needed.

Handicapped - Parking in handicapped zones will require a handicap pass. When making arrangements for activities be sure to inquire about handicapped accessibility for parking, bathrooms, exits, elevators, ramps and if need; make sure that there are wheelchairs available.
 
Notebook - Keep a notebook or small tablet handy for important information. Write each persons name, address, phone number and emergency numbers and physician.

Helpers - Be sure to bring help with you. There will be times when the elderly will need help to the restroom, especially in a unfamiliar place. Some may have to be waited on, others may need help with their meals and some helped in and out of car or van. If you have any elderly in wheel chairs, you will need helpers to push the wheelchair. Some may just want to sit on a bench, so you will need someone to sit with them.

Family - There may be times when you will have to let their family members know where you are going, the time you will leave and return and the place you will be visiting if possible.

Roll Call - Take roll call every time you get in or out of the car or van. Be sure to count heads, ask who is missing. Never let an elderly person go anywhere alone while on your trip. Be sure that you go in a group or a helper is with an individual.

Clothing - The elderly tend to get cold even when others are not. Be sure that they bring along a jumper or jacket. Remind them to wear comfortable shoes if you will be walking any distance. A sun hat may be advisable. Keep a lap blanket in the car or van.

Medicine - Most elderly are on some kind of medication. Remind them to bring their medication along in case it is needed while away. Especially in cases where you may not return on schedule. Write in your notebook each persons name, medication, amount to take and what time it is to be taken. Keep an Emergency kit and First Aid kit in the car or van.

Money - Be sure your seniors know ahead of time any expenses that they may incur during their trip such as tickets, passes, gifts, souvenirs and of course food.

You may have to inquire before leaving to make sure they have their money with them. It’s easy to forget when trying to be ready on time. Remember that some elderly are on fixed incomes, so be sure your trips are inexpensive but exciting.

Food - Remember when stopping to eat that some elderly are on strict diets. Be sure to know of any food allergies, diabetics and any special foods that they may need. Be sure to bring crackers, cookies, candy, orange juice and water in case it is needed. If possible make reservation at a place you know would be suitable. Stop at restaurants that are clean, safe and inexpensive.

Restroom - Some elderly may want to make occasional pit stops along the way. In order for them to be more comfortable make frequent stops without asking. Be sure to advise everyone that if they need to stop to let you know also.

Reminders - The night before and in some cases; the morning of the trip you may have to call as a reminder. Let the person know what time you will be there.

It may not be as important as to where you go as it is that you have fun. Following some simple rules makes for a safe, pleasant and rewarding time. Have fun and enjoy your trips with the elderly.

Crosswords ‘can delay memory loss’ August 12, 2009

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 The Telegraph, UK  has written an article proving that doing crosswords really does help to keep your brain healthy and sharp. Seniors should try to make time each day to complete at least one cross word.  To help make this easy About Seniors provide free daily crosswords on their website. Start doing a cross word a day!

Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York, found that performing a mental exercise twice a day could help delay the rapid memory loss associated with dementia for more than a year.

Keeping the brain active through hobbies such as crosswords, puzzles, reading, writing and playing card games, can all postpone the start of symptoms of the condition.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence that exercising the brain can help to protect against the disease in later life.

Experts warn that the number of people affected by dementia will spiral in coming decades, in part because of an ageing population.

Researchers looked at activities including crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, talking in groups, playing music, or even simply reading or writing.

They found that people aged between 75 and 85 who did an average of 11 of the activities every week tended to experience memory problems almost one year and four months later into the progression of the disease than those who did just four a week.

“The effect of these activities in late life appears to be independent of education,” said Charles Hall, who led the study. “These activities might help maintain brain vitality.

“Further studies are needed to determine if increasing participation… could prevent or delay dementia.”

The researchers found that for every additional activity an older person undertook a week the onset of rapid memory loss characteristic of the condition was delayed by an average of just over two months.

The study followed 488 older people over a five-year period, during which 101 of them developed dementia.

On average people who went on to develop the condition did one of the six activities every day, according to the findings, published in the journal Neurology.

The findings reinforce the idea that “cognitive reserve” could be built up by taking part in activities that exercise the brain.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said: “This study shows that exercising the brain may delay the start of memory loss in people who develop dementia.

“This adds to the ‘use it or lose it’ hypothesis that we can reap the benefits of stimulating our minds regularly, perhaps by doing crosswords, playing chess or adding up the shopping before getting to the till.

“Dementia risk can be reduced by eating a healthy diet, whilst keeping an active body and mind.”

“With more research we may be able to find ways of preventing dementia. 1.4 million people in the UK will develop dementia within a generation, so we need to invest now.”

Preventing Falls Among Seniors August 5, 2009

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Falls are a serious risk as you get older, by following some simple tips by the National Centre for Injury Prevention and Control you can minimise the risks that cause falls.

Tips for preventing falls

Falls are not just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, you can lower your chances of falling.

You can reduce your chances of falling by doing these things:

 1. Begin a regular exercise program.
Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful.

Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.Ask your doctor or health care worker about the best type of exercise program for you.

2. Make your home safer.
About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:

  • Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
  • Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
  • Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
  • Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
  • Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
  • Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
  • Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.

3. Have your health care provider review your medicines.
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take (including ones that don’t need prescriptions such as cold medicines). As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall.
 
4. Have your vision checked.
 Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor.  You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision.  Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

Establish an Exercise Regime – Take a Daily Walk July 29, 2009

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Aged Care Matters discusses the importance of finding the time for a daily walk.  

As in any other stage of life exercise is paramount to remaining fit and healthy. However depending on your level of fitness it is always wise to check with your doctor before embarking on any new exercise program. It maybe that what you are considering may not be suitable or recommended by your doctor.

If there is no medical reason to prevent you from exercising, why not take a daily brisk walk. This will certainly go a long way to helping you achieve your fitness goals. Try and find somewhere interesting to walk so your enthusiasm for this activity does not wane over time. See if you can find a companion to go with you on these walks. Not only will your fitness be improved but also your personal relationships will be enhanced. Someone who perhaps you barely know as a neighbour in time may turn out to be a very close and trusted friend.

Why not join a walking group if there is one in your community. This too will provide opportunities to meet new people and may also prove a means to broadening your friendship base. Not only will it get you out of the house but as a bonus you will get to see more of your surrounding district whilst you work on maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Visiting tips July 22, 2009

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It is often difficult to know who exactly is allowed to visit a nursing home and the procedures that go with this visit. Aged Care Crisis will help make your visit easier by offering easy to follow visting tips.

As you make plans to visit someone living in a nursing home, remember that the facility is that person’s home, and you should show the same sort of respect you showed when the resident lived outside the facility. Call and ask what time is convenient for you to pay a visit. A resident may feel more energetic or sociable at certain times of the day.  Or he/she may simply have other plans.  In addition, he/she will have that visit to look forward to, which extends the pleasure.

Most facilities have very liberal visiting hours lasting 10 to 12 hours during the day. Be sure to check on these hours before you visit so you don’t interrupt meals, bath-times or other regularly scheduled events. Some nursing homes encourage visitors to join residents at mealtimes.  If you decide to do so, you should expect to pay for your meal.

One word of caution about visiting: there is a tendency to “promise a rose garden” and be unable to deliver. Do not promise to visit and not come.  If you cannot keep an appointment, call in advance and immediately suggest an alternate time.

When you and your friend or relative are planning your visiting times together, look over your schedule carefully and realistically. Decide how much time you can spend each week or month.  Realistic planning avoids disappointment for the resident and feelings of guilt or anger for you.

Who Should Visit?
Anyone who was important to the resident outside the facility should visit him/her in the nursing home, children included.  Young children rarely react negatively to aging or sick individuals. On the other hand, teenagers and older children may need some time to adjust. Staff members, particularly social workers, can be helpful in aiding this process.

Planning for the Visit
Some people feel that they don’t know what to do during a visit to a nursing home.  In this case, simply ask yourself what activities you enjoyed with this person outside the nursing home.  Did you listen to music together?  Did you play cards?  Did you watch old movies? There is no reason you can’t continue to share these same activities in the facility.  And there are many other activities that you can try to help make visits rich and interesting:

  • One idea which is always very therapeutic is to bring the family pet to the nursing home.  The benefits to the elderly of contact with animals are widely acknowledged.  Seeing the family pet would be especially uplifting.  Be sure to contact the administrator in advance to make arrangements.
  • If you videotape family events—school ceremonies, little league games, school plays, and the like—make arrangements to show the videos to the resident if he/she cannot attend these events. This will give him/her a better sense of contact with family and the outside world. Showing the resident family photographs will serve the same purpose.
  • Or why not treat the new resident (female) to a manicure or fix her hair? This sort of physical contact is very important to the nursing home resident.  And your acknowledgement of her concerns about her physical appearance will mean a great deal as well.
  • Elderly people often have difficulty in writing letters. You can have a very productive visit by taking dictation from the resident.  And the resident will most certainly receive mail in return, which he/she will cherish more than you can imagine.
  • If the resident is a fan of games, bring along your checkers or chess set, scrabble board, or deck of cards

And when you’re at a loss for ideas, check with the facility’s activity director.  He will likely provide you with a whole list of ideas and possibly materials with which to work. A special note—conjugal visits also are important.  Two people who have lived together for years are entitled to private visits without intrusion. For any home that is certified for Medicaid and/or Medicare, the Residents’ Bill of Rights protects the right of conjugal visits unless otherwise ordered by a physician.

The Visit
When people come to visit you, they come to the door and knock or ring the bell.  A resident room in a nursing home is an individual’s home.  Knock before entering and ask permission to enter.  If the resident is unable to respond, then announce yourself before walking in.

Greetings usually involve some sort of physical contact.  You shake hands or hug or kiss. Touching tells us that we are accepted, human, and desirable.  Staff members try, of course, to provide affection, buy they can never fill the shoes of the family and friends of the resident. Once in the room, make some form of physical contact unless it is absolutely inappropriate.

There are some instances in which you may think visiting is pointless.  Visiting is never pointless. Even if a resident is comatose, you should continue visiting.  No one knows exactly what senses remain in a comatose person; however, we do know that hearing is the last sense to disappear.

Visit, announce yourself, and touch the comatose person as you always have.  Then you can sit by the bedside and hold the resident’s hand, stroke the forehead or whatever is comfortable for you.  You can even talk quietly, since the resident may hear exactly what you are saying.

Visits Outside the Nursing Home
Many residents are able to leave the facility for a meal, a day, a weekend, or a vacation.  And these sorts of outings mean a great deal to them.  Visits outside the nursing home reinforce the fact that the resident is still a vital part of family and community.  In addition, it may reinforce the benefits the nursing home affords.  The difficulty of bathrooms and steps that are not designed for handicapped people will become readily apparent.

If you are considering taking a resident out of the nursing home, plan first with the resident. Then be sure to tell a staff member, so he can have medicines and special equipment ready.  It is wise to give a week’s notice if any special arrangements need to be made.

Visiting should be pleasant and enjoyable for family, friends, and the nursing home resident. Plan ahead, involve the resident, and above all: don’t let his/her “nursing home resident” status interfere in the wonderful relationship you have always enjoyed.

SENIORS UNDER THREAT THIS FLU SEASON July 15, 2009

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Flu season is upon us.  The Pharmacy Guild of Australia suggests it is time for seniors to roll up their sleeves.

Senior citizens are urged to get their flu shot in the next fortnight, ahead of fears of a major influenza outbreak in Australia.

With the highest incidence of influenza occurring in people aged 65 to 69, The Pharmacy Guild ofAustralia warns that some people risk serious illness or even death if they are not vaccinated.

Acting President of the Pharmacy Guild, Patrick Reid, says the flu is a serious health problem that requires preventative measures.

“People often make light of their illness by saying ‘it’s just a cold’ but influenza is a highly infectious,respiratory illness that can be particularly dangerous to the elderly.

“Common flu symptoms included fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, a cough, and a dry or sore throat.

“There is very little that can be done if you get the flu, except to rest and take medication for relief.

“Your local pharmacist can help with the provision of pain relief medication, decongestants and coughmedicines.”

Mr Reid says vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza infection and is strongly recommended for all adults over 65 years of age.

“Anyone who wishes to avoid the flu this season and hasn’t already been vaccinated should see their GP.

“The vaccine is free to older Australians aged 65 years and over, but your doctor may charge a
consultation fee.”

For further information on how you can best prepare for the upcoming cold-and-flu season, ask your local pharmacist.

Senior Safety Checklist July 8, 2009

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Care Giver Stress have provided ten tips to ensure a senior’s home is hazard free.

Each year, many older Australians are injured in and around their homes – often from hazards that are easily overlooked, but easy to prevent. By spotting these dangers and taking simple steps to correct them, many senior injuries can be prevented, and family caregivers can have extra peace of mind.

Below is a list of the top 10 safety issues commonly witnessed by Home Instead Senior Care professional caregivers in thousands of senior homes:

Top 10 safety issues
1. Loose area rugs/tripping hazards
2. No “life alert” or other pendant emergency-alert system
3. Spoiled food in the refrigerator
4. Lack of safety bar in bathtub/shower
5. Shower within tub/ No walk-in shower
6. Lots of clutter/furniture make mobility difficult
7. Steep steps
8. Low supply of food
9. Poor lighting
10. No telephone near the bed

Family caregivers should walk through their relative’s home to make sure none of these hazards are present, and work with the senior to make he or she feels safe, depending depend on the type of physical limitations this person has and how severe they are. Acquiring the necessary assistance, such as non-medical home care and safety-proofing your loved one’s home, will put all family members at ease.

Spice it Up! July 2, 2009

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Home Instead Senior Care say that cooking for seniors shouldn’t be boring. They have provided some tips to help seniors spice up their cooking, as well three easy recipe ideas.

According to Rachael Ray, host of the hit cooking show 30-Minute Meals, toning down the flavour in seniors’ food is not only unnecessary, but undesirable.

“There’s no excuse for making food dull, lifeless and boring,” Ray said. “Seniors want good flavor. Cook to impress; cook to be excited, or, at the very least, cook to share.”

Ray says that while adult children often assume their senior loved ones need bland food for their digestive health, foods from these older adults’ earlier years actually can offer many important benefits.

“Food helps seniors reconnect with the past,” Ray said. “As its nostalgia factor ties all of us to where we’re from, it can be a wonderful tool for seniors who have trouble with short-term memory loss, dementia and other illnesses that remove them from the world.”

Food also allows seniors to “travel” via no more than a trip to the grocery store. Whether your senior is from Russia, Germany, France, Ireland – wherever – serving food native to those places can take them back to things that help make them feel good, whole, happy and excited about living.

Ray, who was raised in a multi-generational Sicilian restaurant family, said she was lucky to share food with many generations. “There’s something really intimate about many generations sharing delicious food together,” she said.

According to a group of family caregivers surveyed in a Harris Interactive poll conducted for Home Instead Senior Care, nearly 44 percent help their loved ones cook, while 59 percent assist with grocery shopping. Home Instead Senior Care often steps in to assist with meal preparation when family caregivers can’t.

“We know from experience that seniors like their mealtimes to be interesting – and not just for the food, but also for the setting, companionship and conversation,” said Paul Hogan, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care.

Ray and Hogan agree on the importance of involving seniors in meal preparations as much as possible.

“Our CAREGivers really get to know their clients’ preferences, and often help them prepare their favorite recipes,” Hogan said.

While having help in the kitchen can definitely influence whether or not a senior eats well, Ray advises caregivers to make meal planning and preparation a shared activity whenever possible.

“Even if they can’t help you with any of the preparations, try to have them in the room with you when you’re cooking,” she said. “Talk to them let them smell and feel the food as it happens. It’s a visceral experience that involves all the senses and makes seniors feel whole. Really good food doesn’t just fill you up – it makes you feel alive.”

Four Quick and Easy Ways to Achieve Senior Meal Success

“A little creativity goes a long way toward improving on the flavor of seniors’ food while staying within their dietary guidelines,” said Ray, who advocates moderation rather than denial. She recommends the following ways to enhance your seniors’ diets without compromising their health:

Add low-sodium, no-salt stock to a sauce to make it taste like it has been simmering all day. Likewise, cook rice in chicken or vegetable stock rather than water, and replace cream with stock when making mashed potatoes for a flavorful, low-fat alternative.
Fresh herbs are a no-fat addition, and readily available in grocery stores to brighten the flavor of salads, dressing and sauces.

Purchase better cuts of meat for better flavor and less fat. “Seniors shouldn’t sacrifice quality, even if they’re on a budget,” Ray said. She also warns against buying fatty instead of lean, healthy meats to save pennies, because in the end you won’t – you’ll have to trim. And the amount of waste, balanced against lean, clean meat evens out the expense. In the long run, a small amount of lean protein is better than a larger amount of fatty protein.

Stock up on fresh meats and vegetables when they are on sale, then divide and freeze them. “Prepared foods aren’t good for seniors because they can’t control the amount of salts, fats and additives in them,” Ray said. “Seniors should instead invest in raw foods they can fully cook – which will taste better to them, as well.”

 Three 30-Minute Meals Recipes for Seniors!

To spice up a senior’s culinary life, Ray recommends the following:

Double-Dipped Spicy Chicken

Vegetable oil, for frying
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 cup buttermilk
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 pound chicken breast tenderloins
Salt and pepper

Heat 1 1/2 inches vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium high heat. A cube of bread should brown in a 40 count when oil is ready. Set out three disposable pie tins. Mix flour with paprika, poultry seasoning, cayenne and allspice. Divide seasoned flour between two tins. Pour buttermilk into a tin. Line up tins as such: flour, buttermilk and then flour. Season chicken with salt and pepper Coat chicken in flour, then buttermilk, then a second coating of flour. Cook chicken 6 minutes on each side, until deep golden brown and firm. Drain chicken on paper bags and cool before packing up for picnic basket.

Yield: 4 servings

Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing

1 (10-ounce) bag baby spinach
1/3 pound blue cheese, crumbled
1 (6-ounce) can walnut halves, toasted
1/4 cup maple syrup, warmed
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Place spinach on a large platter. Top with blue cheese and walnuts. Warm maple syrup in a small saucepan. Pour vinegar into a small bowl. Whisk oil into vinegar in a slow stream. Whisk maple syrup into dressing in a slow stream. Pour dressing down over the salad platter and serve. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Yield: 4 servings

Chocolate-Dipped Bananas

4 bananas
8 Popsicle sticks
3 cups good-quality chocolate bar
3 tablespoons butter, cut up

Toppings:

Chopped nuts
Toasted coconut
Cookie crumbles
Colored sprinkles or chocolate jimmies
Mini chocolate candies or mini semi sweet chips
Granola

Peel and cut the bananas in half crosswise, so that you have 8 pieces. Place peeled bananas on sticks. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place bananas on cookie sheet in the freezer, keeping them there as long as possible – at least 10 minutes. Heat chocolate bits with butter in a double boiler over low heat until the melted chocolate and the butter are incorporated. Dip the chilled bananas in chocolate and roll with your favorite topping. Chill or freeze until ready to serve. If frozen, allow time to thaw so that bananas soften before serving.

Yield: 8 chocolate-dipped bananas