Know the warning signs...

Malnutrition is a serious senior health issue. Know the warning signs and how to help an older loved one avoid poor nutrition.

According to Mayo Clinic staff, nutrition is critical to senior health, especially for those seniors that are seriously ill or suffering from dementia.

Unfortunately, spotting malnutrition in adults can be tricky. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following steps to catch improper nutrition:

Observe your loved one’s eating habits - spend time with an older loved one during meals at home, not just on special occasions. If your loved one lives alone, find out who buys his or her food. If your loved one is in a hospital or long term care facility, visit during mealtimes.

Look for physical problems - red flags for malnutrition might include poor wound healing, easy bruising, dental difficulties and weight loss. Watch for signs of weight loss, such as changes in how clothing fits.

Know your loved one’s medications - many drugs affect appetite, digestion and nutrient absorption.

You can also try to prevent the causes of inadequate nutrition in your seniors life. The Mayo Clinic suggests the following could be triggers of malnutrition:

Health problems - older adults often have health problems that can lead to decreased appetite or trouble eating, such as chronic illness, use of certain medications, trouble chewing due to dental issues, problems swallowing or difficulty absorbing nutrients. A recent hospitalization may be accompanied by loss of appetite or other nutrition problems. In other cases, a diminished sense of taste and smell decreases appetite.

Limited income and reduced social contact - some older adults may have trouble affording groceries, especially if they’re taking expensive medications. Those who eat alone may not enjoy meals, causing them to lose interest in cooking and eating.

Depression - grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility and other factors may contribute to depression — causing loss of appetite among older adults.

Alcoholism - alcoholism is a leading contributor to malnutrition — decreasing appetite and vital nutrients and frequently serving as a substitute for meals.

Restricted diets - older adults often have dietary restrictions, including limits on salt, fat, protein and sugar. Although such diets can help manage many medical conditions, they can also be bland and unappealing.”

For more information about recognizing and dealing with senior malnutrition...Senior Malnutrition

The best foods to control diabetes in the elderly

Eating healthy is important for everyone, but it's even more important for the nearly 26 million Americans who have diabetes — half of whom are older than 60. A healthy diet, coupled with regular exercise and medicine (if needed) are the keys to keeping your husband's blood sugar under control.

The American Diabetes Association offers a list of 10 superfoods for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. These foods contain nutrients that are vitally important to people with diabetes, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E. They're also high in fiber, which will help your husband feel full longer and keep his glycemic index low so his blood sugar won't spike. And they'll help keep his blood pressure and cholesterol in check, also critical for diabetics.

Beans: Kidney, pinto, navy, black and other types of beans are rich in nutrients and high in soluble fiber, which will keep blood sugar steady and can help lower cholesterol.

Dark green leafy vegetables: Spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, kale and other dark, leafy green veggies are nutrient-dense, low in calories and carbohydrates. A diabetic can't eat too much of these.

Citrus fruits: Grapefruit, oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps heart health. Fiber in whole fruit slows sugar absorption so your husband will get the citrus fruit nutrients without sending his blood sugar soaring.

Sweet potatoes: High in vitamin A and fiber and low in glycemic index, sweet potatoes won't raise your husband's blood sugar at the same level as a regular potato.

Berries: Whole, unsweetened blueberries, strawberries and other berries are full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.

Tomatoes: Raw or cooked, this low-calorie food offers vital nutrients such as vitamin C, iron and vitamin E.

Fish with omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna are high in omega 3 fatty acids that help heart health and diabetes. But avoid the breaded and deep-fried variety.

Whole grains: Pearl barley, oatmeal, breads and other whole-grain foods are high in fiber and contain nutrients such as magnesium, chromium, folate and omega 3 fatty acids.

Nuts: An ounce of nuts provides important “healthy fats” along with hunger management. They also contain a nice dose of magnesium and fiber. Nuts are high in calories so a small handful each day is enough.

Fat-free milk and yogurt: These dairy foods provide the calcium and vitamin D your husband needs and can help curb cravings for snacks.

More information

For more details on healthy food choices for diabetics, including free recipes, go to diabetes.org or call (800) 342-2383.