Jane's Page

Jane Schwickerath is a MSW specializing in geriatric issues.

 

Welcome to Jane’s Page.

For the next year I’ll be writing about what I hope will be interesting topics to you. As a geriatric social worker I’ll target areas of the aging process that you might find challenging and potentially creating a barrier for living your life fully. My intention is to keep abreast with current research and report back to you. While I’d love to offer you a place to share your own collection of personal experiences and knowledge on different topics, the 60-Plus senior socials may be the best place to trade personal stories and we all encourage you to do just that.

Meanwhile, my first “chat” with you regards the importance of Understanding the Nutritional Needs and Changes That Come with Age. I’ll include a link at the bottom which will connect you to the full test of an informational guide to senior nutrition.

(My comments will be sprinkled in red parenthesis.)

And now a few interesting facts.

Did you know?

  • The standard food guide pyramid was modified in 1999 for adults age 70 and over, with the first change focusing on its new foundation, water consumption. Older adults must not wait for thirst to indicate dehydration because the thirst mechanism decreases with age. Eight, 8-ounces of water or liquids should be drunk daily to avoid constipation, kidney problems, and cardiovascular complications.

  • Our bodies need 40 nutrients and Mother Nature provides them in perfect packages that we consume in fats, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water.

  • The Institute of Medicine recommends a range of 20%- 35% of total calories from fat, 45% - 65% from carbohydrates, and 10% - 35% from proteins. (think about balance)

  • According to a Harvard Health Publication entitled, Healthy Eating, adjusting old habits to a healthier diet, "can ward off 25% of all cancers and, combined with exercising regularly and not smoking, can prevent possibly 90% of cases of type 2 diabetes. It can also cut your risk for heart disease, by 90% and prevent hypertension, osteoporosis, and many other conditions".

  • According to the AARP, "calories might start to decrease as your metabolism slows down, (however) your vitamin and mineral requirements stay the same or, in some cases, even increase".

  • Unsure about serving sizes? AARP suggests this guide:

  • The size of a deck of cards is about the same as a three-ounce serving of cooked meat, poultry or fish

  • A baseball is about the same size as a cup of milk, yogurt, or chopped fresh greens

  • A computer mouse (or small fist) is about the size of a half cup of cut fruit, vegetables, or pasta

  • A tennis ball is about the same size as a medium piece of fruit

  • Your whole thumb is about the size of an ounce of cheese

    • For a greater level of detail in a printable Word document, see this.

    Jane’s Page. Email me

 


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