When it comes to nutrition, research shows that it is people in the lowest income bracket that struggle the most with getting enough food. This is true for children, which is why programs like free or discounted school breakfasts and lunches exist, but it’s also true of other populations, including senior citizens.
There are a number of organizations designed to help seniors get connected to the food and nutrition that they need to stay healthy. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, local food pantries, and other nonprofit organizations all are geared toward helping both seniors and other vulnerable parts of society get connected to the right nutritional resources. Some of these organizations deliver food with the knowledge that for many seniors, transportation ranges from difficult to impossible.
But just because there are difficulties in place in getting low income seniors the resources that they need does not mean that they are not important. Knowing what the barriers to your family members in need might be is helpful because they allow you to have a better chance of overcoming them.
It’s the responsibility of larger organizations to know what the barriers to the community as a whole might be so those can also be overcome. Ensuring that everyone has access to the right resources–including food, medical care, senior care, and more–is what ensures that the most vulnerable in our society are able to thrive.
A sufficient amount of calories has a bearing on health in other areas, too. For example, sufficient calories on a daily basis are necessary for someone to stay active and get the activity that they need to not just get by, but to thrive. We all know that there are benefits to exercise when it comes to fighting obesity, improving cardiovascular health, preventing injury, and more. None of these things are possible if there’s not enough of the right foods going into the body.
And while income levels might be one of the biggest determinants when it comes to the nutrition that someone receives, there are a lot of other factors that determine nutrition besides income levels. It’s important to work with a doctor to fully explore this topic with a loved one to make sure that the right steps are taken to keep the people that you love healthy. Identifying and treating potential medical issues that may prohibit proper nutrition can be a completely separate issue from income and economic status.
Regardless of what you decide, it’s important to have a strong team on your side. We’d love to be a part of that team. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’d like to learn more about in-home care and how it might help with nutrition. Meal prep is one of the many benefits that an in-home caregiver can assist with. This can be especially helpful if your loved one lives alone or spends quite a bit of time on their own. Having someone to not only help out with daily tasks for a loved one, but to also spend time and provide companionship when it’s most needed.
Aging isn’t always an easy thing, but having the right care team on your side can make it a lot easier. We’re here for you. Please feel free to give us a call and schedule a free consultation today.
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