Appropriate Diets During Late Adulthood

 APPROPRIATE DIETS 

The diets of older adults should be planned around MyPyramid (Table 15-1). When special health problems exist, the normal diet should be adapted to meet individual needs.

 

The federal government provides the states with funds to serve hot meals at noon in senior centers across the country. These senior centers become social clubs and are immensely beneficial to the elderly. They provide compan-ionship in addition to nutritious food. Frequently the noon meal at “the center” becomes the focal point of an older person’s day.

 

The federal government also provides transportation for those who are otherwise unable to reach the senior center for the meal. When individuals are completely homebound, arrangements can be made for the meals to be delivered to their homes. Some communities have Meals-on-Wheels projects. Participating people pay according to ability. In addition, food stamps are avail-able and can sometimes be used for the Meals-on-Wheels programs.