Posted on March 4, 2008 in Latest News
Yes. Nutritional needs of older people change, as they grow older. They need to change their food habits as their digestive system gets affected with age. They are unable to eat all the foods that they could take when they were young. They need to take foods, which would provide them with all the nutrients. They have to compensate for food, which they may be otherwise avoiding. Their intake reduces, as they are unable to digest properly. They also have to keep their weight under control.
The possibility of chronic illnesses is higher among older people, and therefore, they need to keep a control on their diet. They have to cut down on sugar and salt as they can cause Diabetes and blood pressure respectively. They have to also keep their weight under control. Many of them are under- nourished as they have to avoid certain foods due to their age. They are forced to change their diet. Why so?
Why Older People Need to Change Their Dietary Habits?
- Due to metabolic changes in the body, the older people are unable to digest all the food
- Physical activity reduces among them and they need to eat less
- They are unable to chew their food properly
- Appetite also diminishes
- They crave less for certain foods, particularly sweets. They compensate this by taking more sugar or salt which results in chronic illnesses
- They eat processed refined foods, which have lost their nutritional value. They find it difficult to cook fresh
- A high in fiber and low in fat diet may not be advisable for all older people, as they suffer from repeated infections
- They need a diet which is rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, protein which are found in dairy products such as milk, meat eggs, vegetables and fruits and cereals and fish
- Snacks also can be taken as older people may not be able to cope up with one big meal
- The taste and smell instincts of older people reduces with age, it would be better if they took foods of different shapes and colors. Adding herbs and spices would also make the meal more enticing
- Food rich in fiber and starch prevent constipation and reduces common disorders in intestine
- They must eat foods rich in iron like red meat. It is also available in pulses( beans, peas and lentils), oily fish such as sardines, eggs, bread, green vegetables etc
- Foods rich in Vitamin C also must be taken such as fruit juices, citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes etc
- Calcium rich foods are good for osteoporosis, which many women face. Dairy products such as milk and cheese contain it
- One tends to eat less. It may be difficult to buy food, or prepare it, or move around due to arthritis
- Teeth have to be taken care of. Poor dental care makes it difficult to eat
There are many psychological and physiological changes in the body, as one grows older. Accordingly, food habits also change. Tastes and preferences are much different than they were when one was young. Health limitations, in the form of chronic illnesses, may prevent one from eating what one likes. Older people have to change their diet menu and eat what provide them sufficient nutrients, which will keep the body functioning properly.
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