Eating Well for Older People

The FDA has recently issued a new booklet that offers suggestions for older people who may have trouble eating well, providing practical solutions for potential barriers. Here are some specific problems and ways to solve them, and there are plenty of others in the booklet, available at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/eatage.html:

Problem: can't shop

* Ask the local food store to bring groceries to your home. Some stores deliver free. Sometimes there is a charge.

* Ask your church or synagogue for volunteer help or sign up for help with a local volunteer center.

* Ask a family member or neighbor to shop for you or pay someone to do it. Some companies let you hire home health workers for a few hours a week. These workers may shop for you, among other things. Look for these companies in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book under "Home Health Services."

Problem: can't cook

* Use a microwave oven to cook TV dinners, other frozen foods, and foods made ahead of time by the store.

* Take part in group meal programs offered through senior citizen programs or have meals brought to your home.

* Move to a place where someone else will cook, such as a family member's home or a home for senior citizens.

Problem: short on money

* Buy low-cost foods, such as dried beans and peas, rice, and pasta or buy foods that contain these items, such as split pea soup and canned beans and rice.

* Use coupons for money off on foods you like.

* Buy foods on sale. Also buy store-brand foods. They often cost less.

* Find out if your local church or synagogue offers free or low-cost meals.

* Take part in group meal programs offered through local senior citizen programs or have meals brought to your home.

* Get food stamps. Call the food stamp office listed under your county government in the blue pages of the telephone book.