1. Adults and the Elderly Nutritional Needs Change Throughout the Life Cycle

2. Adults Metabolism slows down; generally total food intake needs to be reduced. Metabolism: Chemical processes in the body that provide energy in useful forms to sustain vital activities Exercise is an important component to balancing food intake and output. Sedentary lifestyle creates a greater need for daily exercise.

3. It’s All About You… Be Realistic: Make small changes over time in what you eat and the level of activity you do. After all, small steps work better than giant leaps. Be Adventurous: Expand your tastes to enjoy a variety of foods. Be Flexible: Go ahead and balance what you eat and the physical activity you do over several days. No need to worry about just one meal or one day. Be Sensible: Enjoy all foods, just don’t overdo it. Be Active: Walk the dog, don’t just watch the dog walk.

4. “Feel better today. Stay healthy for tomorrow.” Make smart choices from every food group. Find your balance between food and physical activity. Get the most nutrition out of your calories.

5. The Elderly: Nutrient dense foods are important Taste sensations and smells are less sensitive Low sodium and low-fat diets are common. Various physical and mental challenges may limit ability to purchase and prepare foods. Elderly who live alone have a harder time eating a variety of nutritious foods; malnutrition is a concern. Many health concerns and diseases incident to aging effect eating habits and food choices. Food assistance programs are available to help feed the elderly.

6. Remember, old folks are worth a fortune! With silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet and gas in their stomachs. Old Folks are Worth a Fortune!

7. Another “Senior Moment!” The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age, I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, “Oh, I do all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen or down in the basement.” I ask myself now....... “What am I here after?”