The old USDA Food Chart with nutrition food values, from 1992, was devised on the premise that one size fits all. Then they realized, not so. And revised the whole chart in 2005 to help individuals evaluate themselves and their diet according to more complex criteria. This becomes especially important for the elderly. So important, that I felt compelled to write an article on nutrition and how it impacts seniors. (And nowadays, seniors are defined as anyone 50 an over!). We have young-old (till age 75). And we have old-old (after age 75). So I guess that means we need to pay attention at a “young-old age.”

There’s a big difference in nutritional needs between a 300 pound, 80-year old male in a wheelchair; and a spry 92-year old, 110 pound female who actively gets around with a walker. There are a myriad of differences here, not only with gender, weight and age, but especially with health. One’s particular ailments can, of course, necessitate specific diet and nutrition needs. This we know. This can become so complex a doctor or nutritionist may need to become involved. But then…you have to get the person to eat it. Consistently.

One fact does remain – we all need these nutrients:  vitamins, minerals, proteins, good fats and carbs, and good stuff like antioxidants to ward off disease (like cancer), and those now-famous Omega 3 fatty acids to do the same, and to maintain healthy heart, structures, and brain. These are nutrition facts we know for sure. And it is easy to find the appropriate food groups.

But what if someone just doesn’t want to eat much anymore? What if they just want to nibble and snack? What if they’re alone and don’t feel like cooking and can’t get to the store? Or their food is going bad in the fridge and they don’t know it (maybe vision problems) and family does not check? What if they just don’t care about all that nutrition stuff. What if they question, why is nutrition important. What if at their age, they just want to eat what they want to eat. What if?

It is a common problem, according to the USDA, for the elderly to require “nutritional intervention” due to malnutrition, or being borderline. Especially for those who live alone or feel isolated, even though surrounded by other people. It is one of the major elderly nutrition problems. Malnutrition is very quiet and secret. It sound so….extreme.  Alarming. And it can have extensive health implications. Sometimes permanent. But what does it really mean?

According to one official definition, malnutrition is “a state of poor nutrition; can result from insufficient or excessive or unbalanced diet or from inability to absorb foods.” When you put it that way, it sounds pretty basic. Something we can relate to.

For these loved ones, getting on the right track with nutrition is even more vital. It can be a matter of life and death. Or life with suffering. It means paying attention to our elderlys’ eating. To all the food groups, especially and including in their snacking. Because that is what a lot of elderly do a lot of. If you’d like to see more eye-opening articles on nutrition topics for seniors and baby boomers, see our web site page at:  http://www.elder-one-stop.com/elderly-nutrition.html .

Elderly Nutrition – One Size Does Not Fit All is a post from: I Dont Need Glasses

The answer, according to experienced ophthalmologists and laser eye surgeons, is that people are eligible for laser eye surgery at just about any stage of life. Those experiencing problems with their eyesight can enjoy improvement with correction laser vision surgery. The main vision problems that can be improved with corrective eye surgery are astigmatism, far-sightedness and near-sightedness.

Lasik eye surgery in virtually any stage of life is considered a very low risk procedure, overall. But, there are a few precautions that doctors recommend to those who are a bit older. One common condition that the elderly deal with is eye dryness and therefore, after Lasik eye surgery, the elderly are strongly encouraged to take extra care to be sure to keep the eyes well-hydrated and lubricated with eye drops.

Lubrication of the eyes after Lasik eye surgery is not only important for those who are having the procedure done in their later years. Keeping the eyes moist and keeping them from drying out is an important part of aftercare for everyone who has undergone corrective eye surgery, but it is even more crucial for the elderly and for anyone who tends to naturally have dry eyes.

Using eyedrops routinely after the corrective procedure is a very simple, yet very effective way to avoid problems and complications. The laser eye surgery clinic will provide the patient with the proper lubricating eye drops for post-surgery use.

One of the reasons why eye surgery in the later years is still safe and effective is because overall the procedure has proven to have very few complications and has very low risk. This is because the surface of the eye is not cut with traditional surgical instruments, which can cause damage to the cornea.

Instead, the small cut that needs to be made is accomplished with a laser beam. This means the incision will be tiny, accurate and extremely clean. All of these factors result in much less risk of infection and other complications.

However, even with a very good track record of success, eye surgery in general is not completely foolproof. Corrective eye surgery patients experience complications from the procedure or disappointing results approximately 5% of the time. When the procedure does not go well, the patient might end up having fluctuating vision, seeing halos around light sources, having increased sensitivity to glaring light, and possibly experiencing more dryness of the eyes.

Even though most laser eye surgeons are in agreement that Lasik eye surgery in the later stages of life is still a viable and effective option, they also mention that Lasik vision surgery is not the right procedure for everyone. There are conditions, such as glaucoma and presbyopia, which will not be corrected through laser eye surgery. In fact, with glaucoma, such a procedure can even worsen the condition.

How Safe Is Lasik Eye Surgery In The Elderly Years ? is a post from: I Dont Need Glasses