|
A balanced
diet is a key to good health. Like everyone else, elderly
people need a balanced diet to preserve good health and maintain
quality of life.
As we grow older, a lot
of changes (physiological, psychological, and economic) take
place that can contribute to poor nutrition among the elderly.
It is at this period that we should look into the diet of
elderly people by designing a food plan consistent with their
nutritional needs.
Here are some changes
that occur with ageing and the solutions to be done to overcome
these changes:
 CHANGES/PROBLEMS |
|
SOLUTIONS
|
Poor dentition, loss of teeth, ill-fitting dentures can
cause chewing problem making eating difficult. |
|
- Chop, grind,
grate, or blend foods that are hard to chew. If necessary,
moisten with gravy or broth.
- Mash or strain
cooked vegetables or fruit, and remove tough skin or
seeds.
- Substitute softer,
protein-rich foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, legumes
(munggo), tokwa, cheese, and peanut butter, for regular
meats.
|
|
Lack of appetite |
|
- Serve meals attractively,
using a variety of foods with different flavors, colors,
shapes, temperatures, textures and smell.
- Stimulate appetite
with a walk (if possible) before the meal.
- Take your time
eating and eat with other people as often as possible.
Six small meals
a day are tolerated than three big meals.
|
|
Limited secretion of stomach acid leading to poor absorption
of nutrients like vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium, iron,
zinc and may result in deficiencies. |
|
- Increase dietary
sources of such vitamins and minerals.
- Consider/take
supplements with the doctor's approval.
- Include fortified
foods in your daily diet to increase the intake of micronutrients.
|
|
Loneliness, loss of companionship which may lead to disinterest
in eating. |
|
- Eating is a social
activity. Make a mealtime more enjoyable by inviting
family members as often as possible to improve the social
setting of the meal.
- Have a hobby.
- Join a club and
participate in community activities.
|
|
Constipation |
|
- Drink enough
water, about eight glasses a day.
- Eat fruits, vegetables,
whole grain bread, and cereals.
- Take regular
exercise which can help your bowel motion.
|
|
Disease States (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity) |
|
- Avoid foods with
high-fat, high calorie, high-sugar (pork belly, cream,
deep-fried foods, cakes, softdrinks, etc.) and high-sodium
content (processed and smoked meats, salted eggs, salted
fish, instant soups, canned foods, etc.) instead choose
nutrient-dense foods like enriched or fortified whole-grains,
meat, fish, poultry, egg, milk, legumes, vegetables
and fruits.
- Eat less high-fat
foods. Instead, choose a diet low in fat, saturated
fat, and cholesterol.
- Eat only the
lean part of meat. Avoid the fatty portion.
- Use steaming,
boiling, broiling, and stewing methods for cooking and
avoid deep-frying.
|
|
Difficulty in sleeping |
|
- Drink warm milk
just before going to bed to assure a restful night.
- Avoid tea or
coffee late in the day, if any of these affect your
sleep.
|
Remember
that the health of the elderly can be improved and prolonged
by good nutrition - give them a variety of foods everyday.
Make sure that their diet suit their nutritional needs.
For more information
on food and nutrition, you may write or call: The Director,
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science
and Technology, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Tagig, Metro
Manila, Tel./Fax: 8372934, 8373164; E-mail: cvcb@fnri.dost.gov.ph
; FNRI-DOST website: http//www.fnri@dost.gov.ph
S&T
Media Release
FNRI Press Release for 2003
|
Fighting
Malnutrition with Accurate Data, Correct Information and Innovative
Technologies
