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Fighting
Malnutrition with Accurate Data, Correct Information and Innovative
Technologies
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THINGS
OLDER PEOPLE CAN DO TO STAY HEALTHY
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Felices
C. Cuaderno,
FMS-FSTD
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Considering
both the quality and the quantity of a healthy life among
older adults/persons is a critical health goal of the government
especially the Health Department as well as of the community
they belong.
Both physical and social activities as well as good nutrition
enhance health and the enjoyment of life among people of
all ages, especially among older persons.
Here are some tips on how older persons can enjoy a good
quality of life:
1.
Enjoy Your Retirement
Plan carefully for a satisfying and rewarding retirement
by;
a) Start planning when you are still working. Think
of activities, which you enjoy but had no time to do.
For example, plan on how to rehabilitate your neglected
garden,
b) Take up hobbies, which are less strenuous like reading
and which may have money-making possibilities like sewing,
growing flowers, raising animals, cooking, and tutoring.
c) Join social activities, which you can start in your
active years and continue after you have retired. |
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2.
Enjoy an Active Social Life
To stay healthy older persons should live life to the
fullest - socialize because;
a) An active social life will keep your system going.
It presents physical and mental challenges to keep you
lively,
b) Humans are social beings, so stay tuned to the social
life around you,
c) Get in contact with other older persons of your community
and organize groups with similar interest. |
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3.
Try to Make Your Meals Attractive
A balance nutritious diet helps maintain good health, fight
infection, and prevent diseases. Three reasons why older
persons should continue to balance their diet by eating
lots of vegetables, fruits and low-fat meat or fish are;
a) Absorption in the gut becomes less attractive for some
nutrients,
b) The immune system gets weaker and so needs more support
through nutritious foods,
c) Chewing food may become more difficult, so older people
need appropriate food for their bodily needs.
Meals
can also be made attractive for older person by;
a) Finding food stores or markets where you can buy fresh
vegetables, fruits, and low-fat meats or fish,
b) Being careful with storing food especially if you do
not have a refrigerator. Eat leftovers from meals on the
same day,
c) Making your meals something to look forward to everyday
and take time to prepare them,
d) Finding new ways of combining food you like with new
products you have heard of. Experimenting in your cooking,
e) Using food with lots of fiber, such as vegetables,
fruits, nuts, and cereals to help prevent constipation.
4.
Stay Mobile - Go out and enjoy life
Walking is an excellent exercise for older people. For
places you cannot reach by foot, there is usually public
transport. For older persons to travel safely consider
some of the following advice:
a) Ask your family, friends or neighbor to help out when
you want to go somewhere,
b) Use public transport when possible and ask your fellow
passenger for seat, if all seats are occupied,
c) Contact a citizen's group involved in helping older
persons in public transport,
d) Cross the road only at pedestrian crossing. |
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5.
Accept the Normal Changes of Older Age
Changes occur in your body during this period of your
life, as they do at any age. However, get proper professional
advice if you experience problems, which limit your
activities especially if these are sudden in onset. |
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FNRI, DOST
Compound, Gen. Santos Avenue
Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, PHILIPPINES
Telefax: 837-2934;837-3164
E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph
Copyright
© 2002 Department of Science and Technology. All rights Reserved.
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