Isolated seniors might 'have a bowl of cereal or they won’t eat at all'
Recent research indicates loneliness leads to a poorer diet among Canada’s older adults.
Home Instead Inc., a home care service provider with offices in Ajax and Oshawa, found through a recent survey that Canadian seniors who feel lonely consume 111 more servings of fat per year than not-lonely seniors. Sixty-nine per cent of lonely seniors do not receive the recommended amount of at least one important element of nutrition.
“Definitely my observations have been that nutrition has contributed significantly to a senior’s overall and emotional health,” said Cathy Dow, owner of Home Instead serving Whitby and Oshawa.
Adriana Lopes, owner of the Home Instead office serving Ajax, said socialization at mealtimes reduces feelings of isolation and improves nutritional intake, but the pandemic has made this increasingly difficult for seniors, impacting their overall health.
“As we return to a more familiar way of life and begin to gather again in person, families and friends should once again share a meal with older loved ones, if it is safe to do so,” she said. “Not only will it strengthen relationships, but it likely will impact the quality of food seniors consume.”
More than one in three Canadian seniors who eat most meals alone have poorer mental well-being. Dow said “socializing at mealtimes can really impact the quality to which someone prepares a meal and also that feeling of company." When older adults are lonely “maybe they’ll have a bowl of cereal or they won’t eat at all," she said. When family can’t provide the support an older adult needs, a home care company can help fill the void, Dow added.
Home Instead is sharing recipes, tips and resources designed to inspire seniors and family caregivers to make healthier choices and spend quality time together preparing and sharing nutritious meals. For example, here are six ways to make older adults part of your family meals:
• Involve your loved one in the preparation process
• Create a relaxed and positive atmosphere
• Plan simple meals
• Connect any way possible (even speaker phone or via webcam)
• Set aside time for your older loved one to share a story.
• Make dinner a regular occurrence, no matter what.
Source:
Toronto Star
