NUTRITION DURING OLD AGE

Introduction

Ageing starts at conception and ends at death. It encompasses the whole of life, not merely its later stages. Indeed , every stage has its unique potential and fulfilment and the period of adulthood-young, middle and older-are no exception.

Dietary requirement do not differ greatly in old age from those of younger and middle adults in the case of energy. There is reduced need for energy as energy expenditure declines. Usually, old people are less active and use less energy. 

They do not need as many calories as younger people. Further dietary intake in the elderly is influenced by a range of physical, social and psychological problems.

Problems that affects dietary intake

Physical

Disability

Joint pains/knee pain

Loss of teeth

Social

Loneliness

Social isolation

Lack of income

Psychological

Loss of partner

Food faddism and superstition

Nutritional problems during old age

The nutrients most likely to be deficient in the diet of an elderly person are vitamins C, B complex and iron. These deficiencies at the sub-clinical level are common among elderly. Hence, there is a need to take particular care to include foods rice in these nutrients in the diet.

Guide to take care of malnourished elderly: Any malnourished adult- young, middle or older needs much personal care and support to build improved habits. Helpful attitude and action of the people, who care for the elderly should be based on an understanding and realistic approach.

1) Analyze food habits carefully: Try to find out the patient's personal attitudes, the precise living situation, and its limitation or available option. Nutritional needs can be met with a variety of foods. Offer suggestions in a practical, realistic and supportive manner.

2) Never moralize: The statement, "Eat this because it's good for you" is what people generally say to the elderly. It has little value for anyone, much less to an elderly person, who may be facing economic, social and psychological problems.

3) Encourage variety of foods consumed: A variety of foods and new recipes with new foods, tastes and seasoning, often prove to be needed stimuli for poor appetite and lack of interest of eating.

Nutritionally supportive environment for old age

1) Have company for meals, congregate at meal sites; have family support and friends.

2) Have foods with pleasant but distinctive taste and flavor.

3) Consume meals that are low in cereals, protein foods like dals or meat etc., and food that are high in fiber such as a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and calcium from animals and plant foods.

4) Avoid excess supplements, especially of vitamin A.

5) Avoid unnecessary drugs and be informed about action of each drug they do take.

Sample diet for the elderly:

Morning 

Coffee/tea

Breakfast

Idli/egg/dosa/upma

Bread/seasonal fruit

Milk/coffee

Lunch

Rice + dal with greens + curd/butter milk + fruit

Meat + rice + vegetable curry + fruit + curd/butter milk

Evening

Fruits salad or any sweet or hot snack

Dinner

Rice/chapati

Dal with greens

Vegetables, milk or milk based products

Conclusion

Elders holds our family every time and make us strong. They are real hero or mentor of our lives. And now they are old needs our support in every situation psychological, physical and social we have to take care of them. Same like they take care of us in their young age. In all these food plays very important part in their health.