Adjusting to a Gluten Free Diet as a Senior Citizen

Change is more difficult as we age. Changing one's diet is incredibly challenging for a senior citizen. Many seniors are tired of decades of preparing meals and rely on prepared or semi-homemade foods. Many seniors approach meal time as an opportunity to socialize with their peers. When obstacles are placed in the way of a senior and his or her opportunity to socialize, their world may narrow. While learning to live a gluten-free lifestyle can be daunting to anyone, it provides unique challenges to seniors over age 65.

Once considered a disease that affects mainly children, doctors now know that gluten issues can affect anyone at any age. But for older people who may be grappling with other health issues, getting a proper diagnosis can be tricky because the symptoms mimic those of a number of other ailments

After a diagnosis, lifestyle changes can be made. The good news is most gluten issues can be managed with diet alone, and the growing awareness of the gluten-free lifestyle means living gluten-free has never been easier. Julyne Derrick addresses how to adapt to a gluten free lifestyle as a senior citizen. She advises people contact favorite restaurants to ask about gluten free menus, read labels in the grocery store, and talk to your pharmacist about prescriptions you regularly take as the first steps to take.