Real Food First

Appetites aren’t always what we want them to be, especially for the elderly. As we age, our protein needs to increase, yet our appetites, sense of smell, and taste begin to diminish. The real-food-first approach in healthcare is about offering favorite food preferences first, and if they’re having problems getting enough nutrients, trying other natural foods that are high in protein and nutritionally dense. That’s not to say that nutrition supplements have no place, but they should not be the first and only approach to try. Both the American Medical Directors Association and Pioneer Network, a Chicago-based nonprofit group advocating culture change, recommend real food in cases where nutrients are needed.