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Ga. (WTOC) – More than half of Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia are managing multiple chronic conditions, according to the latest America’s Health Rankings Senior Report from UnitedHealthcare
Courtney Schauder, Health Engagement Consultant with United Healthcare of Georgia, said the report reviews individual health measures state by state across the country
“It can give us some great insights and opportunities to really touch communities with more meaningful impacts when it comes to our nutrition support,” Schauder said
Schauder said the body processes and absorbs nutrients from food differently as people age, making balanced nutrition more important over time. She said appetite typically declines with age as movement and energy expenditure also decrease, which she said emphasizes the daily need for protein and balanced nutrition
Chronic conditions in the Southeast
Schauder said metabolic conditions are particularly prevalent in the Southeast. She identified high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as the conditions most targeted for management through nutrition
With 56% of Georgia Medicare beneficiaries managing multiple chronic conditions, Schauder said holistic care becomes essential
“They often have other components of their life that need management,” she said. “That really brings into the picture the need for not only nutrition support, physical health support, mental health support.”
Small changes over dramatic diets
Schauder said improving nutrition does not require a complete diet overhaul. She recommended planning meals ahead of time, even just a few meals per week, to allow for more effective grocery shopping and reduce food waste
Additional tips she offered include choosing foods lower in sodium, reviewing the added sugars line on nutrition labels and incorporating healthier fats such as olive oil or avocado oil
Fitness for older adults
On physical activity, Schauder said walking is effective for maintaining muscle strength because it uses body weight and places positive stress on muscles. She also said lower-impact activities like swimming can be beneficial, and that community centers often offer classes suited to seniors’ mobility levels
“We really want to support them and make movement joyful still and make it a community event as well,” Schauder said
The America’s Health Rankings Senior Report data is available at AmericasHealthRankings.org. Additional health education re
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