Nutrition for elderly people is a growing area of interest and debate. As we age, we tend to need more nourishment, as our bodies change and we become more fragile. But how to maintain a healthy diet when you’re older? The answer may surprise you. It’s all about what you know.
Firstly, if you live in a place with a low population density (low population means low chance of a disease epidemic) and lots of rich but not particularly healthy food around, you may be at risk. Aging and nutrition mean that the nutrients in familiar foods may not be bioavailable. There may also be large differences in nutritional value between areas, perhaps because of different climates. Look around and you may also see signs of more ‘health tourism’ – the selling of expensive health products and treatments by unqualified staff in developing countries.
Nutrition for elderly people is not easy and needs some close attention. You may have to change your routine a little – maybe start walking more or start taking daily exercise. You also need to educate yourself on what you can and cannot eat. Your nutritionist will help you with this. She or he may also be able to suggest local, organic, good quality products at a reasonable price.
You should also be informed about things like vitamin deficiencies, iron, cholesterol, and calcium. Elderly people are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as heart disease or kidney disease. They also have lower concentration levels of energy and they find it harder to concentrate. They also tend to become less tolerant of pain. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal problems.
You will also need to make sure that you’re getting enough calories and the right proportions of nutrients. Excellent nutrition for elderly programs will take these issues into account and provide you with an excellent healthy diet plan that you can stick to. You may have to make some adjustments in your lifestyle, but good nutrition for the elderly plan should include plenty of exercise. Be careful about what you eat, though, because as you age, your body tends to require less of the vitamins and minerals you’ve grown accustomed to and it becomes more important to pay attention to your dietary needs. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask your nutritionist.
Nutrition for elderly people is an important topic and one that deserves a lot of attention. It’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself and to ensure that you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy life. Talk to your doctor about what type of nutrition for the elderly programme he can recommend. Make some changes in your lifestyle and see just what kind of results you get. Nutrition for elderly people doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming, it just takes some attention and a willingness to try new ideas.
