Feeding and food requirements in old age

What is old age?

Old age is a very challenging phase of a person’s life. It is influenced in great ways, by ones past experiences and this poses evidently on an individual’s general health.  The definition of old has not been made as clear, as changes have occurred over time as to the percentages of those ageing at particular ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines those that are above the age of 75 as old.

The dietary and nutritional requirements of an old person are very important to look into, as their health conditions seem to be very fragile at this stage. The present health status should be considered to nutritiously provide the necessary dietary components. Ensure adequate provision of foods rich in proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and essential mineral salts.

It is important to eat regular healthy and nutritious foods in order to maintain a healthy body. Choosing from a variety of foods and including them in the diet makes it possible for one to be able to benefit from the different nutrients present in different foods.

Old Age Dietary Challenges

An old person may be unable to properly take care of either himself or her self and so extra need for a helping hand arises. This is important for them to be able to be fed according to their health’s nutritional requirement so as not to miss out on essential nutrients and resultantly suffer nutritional deficiency problems.

For women, their greatest dietary challenge would be boredom in preparation of meals with no one to share with. It is however, quite contrary in the case of men, who, mostly are not use to doing the budgeting, organizing, preparing and planning for meals. They are left with the inability to make healthy food choices for adequate nutritional provision to their bodies.

Loss of appetite also presents itself as a nutritional challenge in old age. This can come about as a result of lack of the ability to taste or smell. The help of a dietician or a medical nutritionist should be sought.

Loneliness can present itself in old age and this social alienation can have serious effects to your mental health.  You can invite neighbors or friends to give you company and keep you vibrant.

Health issues like cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular problems and heart diseases can make old age very frustrating. To avoid such cases you should be very keen with your nutritional dietary provisions. This would help you to avoid nutritional consequences like depression, lean body mass, loss of body water, low bone mass weakened immune system and malnutrition.

Staying Healthy in Old Age

To keep yourself healthy during old age it would be very proper to stick to a regular well balanced diet. This is because the deficiency in any nutrient could lead to very detrimental health conditions like cardiovascular problems, hypertension, depression, osteoporosis mostly in women and even diabetes.

Regular exercises contribute greatly to both your physical and mental health. Engage yourself in light activities of walking, gardening and house chores taking care not to derail. This assists the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients into your body. Being active also gives you independence in most cases and promotes your ability to make and maintain your personal healthy choices like walking to the market to buy your own healthy food.

Unless you are obese it is advisable to eat food that is reach in fat for a subsequent increase in calories and a bit of snacks for some weight gain with care not to get tooth decay.

Gut inactivity and immobility could result in bowel problems and constipation cases. It is advisable to drink lots of fluid, high fiber cereals in moderation, fruits and vegetables. Care should however be taken not to overindulge or fiber rich diets as they may hinder adequate absorption of nutrients.

Lots of drinks would minimize dehydration which is resultant of the kidney’s inability to function properly. Opt for healthy drinks like water, milk, and fruit juices as they are nutritiously packed.

One should avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks as they are not good for the health.

Alcohol and smoking should be avoided as they hinder nutrient absorption into the body. They also interfere with the appetite.

In old age, physical activity level reduces; this determines your intake of energy giving foods which are in most cases calorie rich. Care should be taken to balance the two and still maintain a nutritional balance in the diet.

Changes in the gastrointestinal track reduce the absorption of nutrients like iron. This can subsequently cause a deficiency of the nutrient in the old person’s body and result in anemia.

Blood loss, unhealthy dietary practices and use of certain medications for the treatment of various degenerative diseases like diabetes, coronary disease and cancer can also lead anemia. You can boost your iron content by eating foods like iron fortified cereals, pulses, red meat, liver, and green leafy vegetables. Maximize your intake of vitamin C rich foods as it helps in iron absorption.

For a healthy immune system and to protect yourself against the diseases which threaten your health in old age, you should eat foods rich in zinc. Zinc also helps in healing of pressure ulcers and wounds. This nutrient can be found by including foods like shell fish, whole meal products, pulses, green leafy vegetables and meat in your diet.

Dietary Limitations and Tips

The selection, purchase, preparation, eating, digestion and absorption of food can be deterred due to problems related to old age. This can greatly affect ones health due to deficiency of some very important nutrients.

An old person may not be in a position to lead a sustainable life and so some assistance is very necessary. These could lead to physical and emotional health problems to the person and certain dietary matters need to be looked into as well.

These are some of the issues which could lead to such problems and some tips on how to tackle them and adversely affect an old person’s health:

- Cooking

You can use a microwave.

Cook and freeze or preserve in batches for later use.

Stay with those who can cook like friends, relatives or a hired cook, either in their homes or at your place.

Seek the care and advice of home-based caretakers.

You can go to stay at a home for the old people.

- Digestion

Avoid vegetables with a lot of gas like cabbages and broccoli in your diet.

Use cultured dairy products like yoghurt or you can add lactacid to milk for your diet.

Have small healthy helpings at intervals

Include healthy snacks in between your meal servings.

- Shopping

Shop from food stores that offer home-delivery services.

Send relatives, friends, neighbors or volunteers.

Hire someone to be doing the shopping for you.

Stock up some foods like flour, rice, milk, eggs, dry pulses, bread, fish, vegetables and fruits.

- Swallowing and chewing.

 Cook your food tenderly. Can also be chopped, creamed or grated if nutritious but tough.

Change cooking methods; you can steam, mash, or blend your food

Make puree for ease in swallowing so as not to miss vital nutrients.

Check out with a dentist for any tooth problems.

- Appetite

Use spices and herbs in your diet to improve you foods taste.

Use chicken or beef sauces

Lemon juice is a great appetizer and has other benefits to your health.

If you can tolerate pepper (cayenne) you can add it in your diet.

Contact a nutritionist

Garnish food attractively

Join eating clubs.

Cook foods you enjoy most

Invite friends’ neighbors and family to eat with you.

Cook food in small portions to avoid monotony of leftovers.

- Medical

Talk to your doctor / nutritionist to give you dietary advice that corresponds to the health issue you are facing.

- Financial

Cook small portions that will not remain and get wasted.

Preserve left over foods for later use.