A healthy and nutritious diet is mandatory for men and women of all ages who want a healthy and active lifestyle. The importance of strong diet is compounded further when it comes to senior citizens. These elderlies are more prone to certain illnesses, and can often contract diseases and conditions from improperly prepared food. They need the right amount of food, and a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, calcium, grains, and proteins. A proper food pattern can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, bone loss, cancer, anemia, and many other common medical issues found in seniors.

Vitamin-rich foods can allow a senior to live longer and stay stronger by boosting immunity and fighting illness-inducing toxins. Scientists say that seniors who are given ample amounts of key nutrients normally have higher mental capacities. Fruit, veggies, fish, and nuts with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the risk for Alzheimer's and other mental illnesses. According to Help Guide, a woman over 50 who is not physical active should consume approximately 1600 calories a day. Somewhat active women in this age range need 1800 calories a day, and very active women should consume about 2000 calories. A man over 50 who is not physically active needs 2000 calories per day, a somewhat active individual needs 2200-2400, and a very active individual can eat between 2400-2800 calories.

Fresh fruits can help senior gain important sources of fiber and vitamins. Instead of juice, seniors should consume whole fruits, and eat 1 ½ to 2 servings a day. A palette of fresh veggies is also very important. Seniors need a significant amount of the anti-oxidants that are found in fresh vegetables. Aging bones need calcium to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. This means that elderly men and women need about 1,200 mg. of calcium-rich dairy every day. Calcium can also be gained from broccoli, kale, tofu or almonds. Seniors should have 6-7 ounces of whole grains a day, and avoid consuming white flour. It is also very important that they eat plenty of protein. Helpguide suggests that seniors eat .5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.

Low sodium, high fiber diets can help seniors to prevent water retention and high blood pressure. As well, it can lower the risk of chronic diseases. Seniors should enjoy "good" fats, which are found in avocados, salmon, and other mono-saturated fats in order to maintain their cholesterol. As well, they should steer away from "bad" carbs, such as foods with white flour and refined sugar. These foods can spike blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in excess. A diet which lacks nutrients can result in malnourishment and medical issues.

Nursing home residents must be served a balanced diet in order to stay happy and healthy. Unfortunately, some homes for the aging do not make hearty, balanced diets a priority, and their patients suffer from the devastating effects of malnourishment. Often, malnourished victims experience weight loss, mental decline, a bloated abdomen, dry skin, swollen and bleeding gums, tooth decay, fatigue, dizziness, fragile bones, decreased organ function, or muscle loss. In some cases, residents experience malnourishment because they are not physically capable to feed themselves. It is the staffs' responsibility to aid these men and women, and remind to patients with mental illnesses, such as dementia, that they need to eat. Understaffed homes run the risk of forgetting patients or failing to give them the aid they need to eat well-balanced meals.

Seniors are especially prone to dehydration, because as they grow older they lose some of our ability to regulate body fluids. Also, many older people have a blunted sense of thirst. This can result in urinary tract infections and constipation. To counter-act this tendency, seniors need to drink water every hour. Because men and women in nursing homes are not usually able to get their own drinks, they are susceptible to dehydration. Caring and careful staff members need to aid their patients by providing an adequate supply of liquids. In some situations, your nursing home may be neglecting this responsibility. Signs of dehydration include thirst, loss of appetite, dry skin, skin flushing, dark colored urine, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and chills. In serious cases, the victim may vomit, have difficulty breathing, and experience seizures.According to the Nursing Home Abuse Center, 14,000 nursing home residents perished due to dehydration or malnutrition within the span of three years. If you have a relative or loved one who is currently living in a nursing home, make sure that the staff is servicing residents by giving them all the nutrients, vitamins, liquids and components they need.