Mom Eats Only Junk Food

QUESTION: "My mother was a wonderful cook. She could make a meal out of anything, and it was always delicious. Now, she’s 85 years old, a widow, and it seems like she eats junk food for every snack and meal. Granted, she has no one to cook for except herself, but it’s rather distressing to watch her eat cookies, chips, packaged foods and very limited fruits, vegetables, and healthy meal options—if any. I live nearby but am not at my mother’s home for too many meals. I do notice what she eats, though, when I take her shopping, or empty her trash. There must be ways to encourage better eating." - READER