The benefits of good nutrition are apparent throughout life and, as we age, nutrition is key to maintaining good health. The Cambridge Dictionary defines nutrition as “the substances that you take into your body as food and the way that they influence your health.” So obviously, the healthier the food, the better your health can be and vice versa, but making healthy food choices is not always an easy task. Healthier foods tend to cost more, require more preparation, and can sometimes be difficult to find, especially if someone has specific dietary requirements. The benefits of good nutrition however, can result in more energy, a healthy weight, and a reduced risk for chronic health conditions.

Key Recommendations for Better Nutrition

Good nutrition requires a balance of nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water to help our bodies’ function and grow. As we age, those requirements can vary along the lifespan. For example, older adults may need fewer calories or more protein to maintain a good nutritional status. In the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, it lists four key recommendations designed to help guide consumers to healthier nutrition. These include:

• Following a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage
• Customizing and enjoying nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations
• Focusing on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and stay within calorie limits
• Limiting foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limiting alcoholic beverages.

Older Adults Have Different Nutritional Needs

Nutritional needs differ across all age groups; older adults may have lower calorie needs but similar or even increased nutrient needs compared to younger adults. Less physical activity, metabolism changes, or age-related loss of bone and muscle mass may result in lower calorie needs. Chronic disease, medications, and changes in body composition may also affect nutrient needs and absorption of nutrients. Many older adults may require an increased intake of protein as lean muscle mass decreases with age. Also, the absorption of vitamin B12 can decrease due to the aging process and certain medications and thus supplementation may be necessary. This is why it is important for older adults, especially those that reside in long-term care settings, to have diets that are nutritionally sound based on each resident’s history and nutrient needs.

The Vital Role of the Registered Dietitian and Food and Nutrition Services

The Registered Dietitian (RD) plays a vital role in the long-term care setting working to ensure that each resident’s nutritional status is assessed on admission and reassessed routinely and as changes occur. This nutritional assessment lays the foundation for determining the nutritional needs of each resident and the potential risks for malnutrition or other nutrition-related problems. 

The facility’s food and nutrition services also play a vital role in resident nutrition. In fact, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expects facilities to “provide each resident with nourishing, palatable, and well-balanced meals that meet his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs, taking into consideration the preferences of each resident,” as noted in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual at §483.60. These preferences should also include any cultural traditions or considerations of the individual resident.

How The Compliance Store can help

March is National Nutrition Month and is a good time to review your facility’s nutritional program. The Compliance Store has policies and procedures, tools and other resources to help your facility be compliant with your food and nutrition program, ensuring that your residents are receiving the appropriate nutrition for their overall health. For more information, contact us on online or call us at 877-582-7347.