After a lifetime of hard work, many older adults struggle to put food on the table; but as National Nutrition Month starts today, we want to bring you some expert advice to help you prevent other diseases that may arise due to malnutrition and lack of resources.

Northeast Community College, Amy Rise says that “Every March the National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, celebrates the importance to advise people for best food options.

Older Americans with malnutrition cost the nation $53 billion in healthcare expenses. Rise tells us some of the signs of malnutrition in the senior community.

“Those are changes in the skin, hair loss, changes on fingers and toenails, weight gain, and unintended weight loss”.

Ries says that the changes are due to inactivity caused by the social isolation of the pandemic. She recommends to older adults to talk with their medical provider to make sure their blood sugar, pressure, cholesterol, are saved from other diseases. But, you must have in mind that it all starts with what you put on your plate.

“For the elderly population would be a colorful plate making sure that you have a variety of fruits and vegetables. you can try whole wheat spaghetti, different cereals”, says the instructor.

The National Institute of Aging recommends lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and cognitive training.

“Physical and mental go definitely hand and hand just walking around their home, making sure that you are safe while doing it. Something to make sure you are maintaining muscle mass is to use exercise bands."

According to the World Health Organization, in the US the elderly population will grow to 2.1 billion by the year 2050. But, as social disparities continue, the lack of resources and mobility will make it difficult for the elderly to obtain food.

“We have meals on wheels, through the Norfolk Senior Area of the Aging Office of downtown that reaches our elderly population often. We also have a food bank

The World Health Organizations recommend change and adaptability to make resources more age-friendly

“There are more things coming because our community has recognized that hunger is an issue for all ages”.