Food and Nutrition for the Elderly

	HealthFinder - Nutrition for the Elderly
This section of HealthFinder includes several very informative articles about the special daily nutrition needs and problems of the elderly. But typical of the government, they don't make it easy for you to get there in one click. First, click on our Go button above. That will take you to HealthFinder's "Just for You" page. Once there, click on "Seniors." When that page displays, click on "n" in the alphabetical listing. Then, when the "n" page comes up, click on "nutrition."

	Meals on Wheels
Local agencies provide low cost, hot, nourishing meals to elderly and disabled persons, allowing frail, homebound people to remain in their own homes. To find a local Meals on Wheels program near you or your loved one, click on the GO button above; once at their Web site, click on Search for a Program. You'll find the names, addresses and phone numbers of over 3,200 local Meals on Wheels programs listed by state. Or, you can call the toll-free ElderCare Locator number at 1-800-677-1116, weekdays from 9AM to 8PM, Eastern time, for the nearest Meals On Wheels program.

	Nutrition Calculator
Needless to say, proper nutrition for the elderly is a matter of life and death. This nutrition calculator will help you determine your aging loved one's "ideal" daily calorie intake. The nutrition calculator also recommends daily intakes of carbohydrates, fat and protein.Proper nutrition is especially important because seniors often have a reduced appetite. (This can be due to a variety of causes including depression, prescription drugs interactions and side effects, etc.) Other seniors prepare meals that are quick and easy instead of taking the time to prepare well-balanced meals. As a result, many older people do not eat enough of the right foods to maintain their normal body weight, or produce the energy they need to perform their normal activities of daily living without becoming exhausted.