Nutrition For The Elderly

Healthy diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity are Critical for Older Adults
Following a healthy diet is important at any age, but adequate nutrition and caloric intake is especially critical during later years of life. Physical activity is especially important for older adults as it helps in improving calcium balance, maintenance of normal bone structure, prevents constipation and elevates metabolism to foster healthy weight control.

The foundation of nutrition for the elderly rests on a well-balanced diet, for it is optimal nutrition that helps delay the leading causes of death.

Additionally, research studies are showing that healthy dietary habits of a restricted calorie intake and with a diet rich in antioxidants may increase longevity.

Aging is a gradual but  continuous process that begins early in life. The World Health Organization classifies people aged between 45 and 59 as 'middle aged', 60 to 74 as 'elderly' and over 75 as 'old'.

Severity and rate of decline in body function varies with each individual. It is a well known fact that the number of aged are increasing in society. It is important to ensure that longevity is accompanied by good quality of life and health status. Nutrition plays a key role in ensuring this. On the other hand, the aging process in turn also affects nutritional status.

Reasons for a lowered nutritional status could be physiological, social or even financial.

Common physiological changes are weight loss or body fat gain, loss of appetite, diminished sense of smell and taste, reduction in basal metabolic rate, and gastrointestinal alterations with reduction in nutrient absorption and utilization. Other common age related changes such as hearing loss, weak eyesight, changes in fine motor skills, strength, coordination and cognition can interfere with the older individual's ability of self care.

Chronic diseases that often plague the elderly can significantly affect nutritional status and needs. Many of these conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, disorders of GI tract (constipation, heart burn, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, and gall bladder disease), Diabetic complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy etc) and periodontal disease may be prevented or alleviated by good nutrition.

Following a healthy diet is important at any age, but adequate nutrition and caloric intake is especially critical during later years of life as -

• Older individuals require fewer calories yet overall nutrient needs are the same or increased.
• Energy needs decline with age partly from diminished lean body mass and subsequent lower basal metabolic rate but largely because of decreased physical activity.
• As older individuals may  suffer from  bowel problems due to a reduced activity, a  high-fiber diet is advisable. 
• 8-10 glasses of water also help the gut to function well.
• Fiber also helps to keep blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels under control.
• Anemia is common in older adults. Iron rich foods along with adequate Vitamin C intake to help in iron absorption must be given special attention.
• Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can help to reduce loss of bone mass. At least 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight in a day along with  calcium and vitamin D rich foods  are a great help.

Physical activity which is an integral part of health maintenance at any age is especially important for older adults as it helps in improving calcium balance, maintenance of normal bone structure, prevents constipation and elevates metabolism to foster healthy weight control.

The overall quality of the diet becomes increasingly important with advancing age. Good eating habits can contribute significantly to better health status in later years of life. A balanced diet may postpone the onset of serious diseases and can improve functional capabilities and overall health of elderly individuals.

Making positive lifestyle changes, at an early age, particularly in eating and exercise habits is a wise investment for old age.

By. Dietitians
NutritionVista.com
www.NutritionVista.com