According to the Health Promotion Board, “the elderly remain the fastest growing segment of the American population and are most susceptible to the numerous health risks from a nutrient-poor diet.”

Their studies confirm that “those living alone and who face financial difficulties tend to skimp on food, and may cook only one dish a day to be eaten over breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

“Some [people] neglect their nutrition because they lack the cooking skills and knowledge about nutrition (especially after the death of the spouse who used to prepare the meals in the household), suffer from loneliness and depression, or weakness and fatigue. Others consume too much deep-fried, oily food instead of more nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.”

The seriousness of this problem cannot be understated. A new study released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that “deaths due to poor diet and physical inactivity rose by 33 percent over the past decade and may soon overtake tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death.”

The seriousness surrounding poor diet and  inadequate nutrition appears easy—eat better. There are cooking “light” television shows, thousands of “eating right” cookbooks, and low carb/high protein diets everywhere you look.

Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy as it first appears. Living alone often leads to a decrease in motivation to cook and prepare meals. Often rationalized as “It’s just me, why waste the food?” this problem cannot be overlooked.

Recent articles in the Toronto Star and on CBS News make strong cases for greater community involvement to help fight this problem. Ultimately, according to the Toronto Star, “Social opportunities for eating, as may be found in senior centers and social meal programs can improve an older person’s nutritional health.”

To hear about the healthy restaurants and the Erickson HealthSM network, call 1-800-843-1433 today for your free Information Kit.