Basic Nutrition & Hydration

More than 85% of older adults have chronic diseases that might get better if they learned more about basic nutrition.  Hydration has to do with the amount of fluid we have in our bodies.  Fluids are more important to our bodies than food.  We can survive for weeks without eating food, but for only days without drinking water.

SIX ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

1. Carbohydrates are sugars and starches.  They provide the body with ready-to-use energy.
2. Fats provide condensed energy.  If not used right away, the body stores this energy for later use.
3. Proteins help the body build muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs.  Protein cannot be stored for later, so we have to eat some every day.
4. Water is the most common nutrient in the body.  Every bodily function requires water.  Dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization for the elderly.
5. There are 20 vitamins that are important to our nutritional health.  The body can make some vitamins itself, but most of our vitamins need to come from the foods we eat or from vitamin pills. 
6. Minerals are especially important for bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscle, blood and nerve cells.  There are 17 minerals that our bodies must have to function properly.

HELPING YOUR CLIENTS WITH NUTRITION & HYDRATION

• If your clients are eating poorly, try to find out why.  Is the food too hot or too cold?  Are their dentures not fitting properly?  Are they afraid of choking on the food?  Do they prefer a big meal at noon instead of in the evening?  Remember that a poor appetite is only one reason someone may not be eating.
• Without water, nutrients can’t work in the body.  So, if your clients aren’t drinking enough water, their bodies won’t get the full benefit of healthy food choices.  Sick and/or elderly people often lose their sense of thirst.  This may keep them from drinking enough fluids throughout the day.  Be sure to encourage your clients to drink plenty of fluids (unless the physician has ordered a fluid restriction).
• Keep in mind that many Americans eat too many calories—and too much fat, sugar, salt and alcohol.  Following the government’s My Plate guidelines (choosemyplate.gov) will help improve nearly anyone’s nutritional status.