In accordance to Proclamation No. 470 in 1994, the first week of October is celebrated as Elderly Filipino Week. In this celebration, we recognize the need of the elderly persons for adequate food, clothing, shelter, proper health care, nutrition and support from families and communities.

The natural process of ageing deteriorates the body—our lolos and lolas become frail and fragile, at risk for poor vision, they have decreased mobility and physical functionality and loss of interest in life. According to the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) on Expanded National Nutrition Survey result in 2018, individuals aged 60 years old and above have the following prevalence rates for overweight and obesity at 24.7% and 6.3%, respectively. Also, it shows in the data the prevalence over the years, geriatric individuals are prone to central adiposity. Based on the 2018 ENNS result, 5% of women and 25.8% of men 60-69 years old have high prevalence? waist circumference. Majority of which are living in urban areas. As well as the result for high waist-to-hip ratio, an indicator of obesity and other possible serious health conditions, is high among males and females aged 60-69 years old.

These values indicate the likelihood of getting non-communicable diseases among elderly groups. The risk for severe illness brought by COVID-19 increases with age, thus our lolos and lolas are at highest risk.

To ensure healthy aging for older persons at home, in your family and communities, these are the following tips as discussed by Dr. Adela Cristeta Jamorabo-Ruiz, Professor of Nutrition and Food Science from Polytechnic University of the Philippines during the Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon Year 9 Episode 11 interview and recommendations of National Nutrition Council on “Nutri-Tips sa Senior Citizen”:

• Assist them on their visit to geriatric doctors for regular check-up at least once a year. Monitor their blood lipid, cholesterol, sugar, uric acid, electrolyte and protein levels. This will help in the early diagnosis of diseases.
• Older persons need nutrient dense diets with adequate calories and good quality protein given in small but frequent meals.
• Pinggang Pinoy for the Elderly can be used as food guide as well.
• Eat colorful fruits like banana, apple, orange, guava and among others and to eat vegetables and fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, example of these are broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper, tuna, mackerel, sardines and oyster.
• Limit intake of sodium and salty foods. Use different spices and herbs like ginger, kalamansi, onion and garlic to enhance the flavor of the foods.
• Be resourceful also in making their food extra nutritious. Some suggestions are preparing smoothies made of blenderized fresh produce from your home garden, using peanut butter as sandwich spread, adding finely chopped nuts to their fruits, preparing bite-sized fruits and vegetables, using yogurt to moisten dry food, adding extra egg white to their omelet for extra protein, and, using herbs and spices to improve taste and even color and texture.
• Dietary supplements can be used to meet their nutrient requirements only if they are prescribed by a doctor. Otherwise, supplements are not recommended.
• Hydration is important - 11 cups of water for elderly females and 13 cups for elderly males are recommended per day. This is to prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.
• It is important for older persons to do regular physical activities such as walking, gardening, and doing some simple household chores at least 30 minutes.
• Use senior citizen card for discounts.
• Buy fruits and vegetables in season.

Also, here are the following recommendations by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund on taking good care of the elderly in COVID-19 pandemic while staying at home:

• Social support. Staying connected with family and other relatives maintains health and well-being of our lolas and lolos by calling them regularly either phone calls or video calls. Help them how to video chat using smartphones, laptops or tablets.
• Run errands. Relatives/families should ensure that they have stock daily necessities, medical supplies, and monitor their medication by sending them a little reminder.
• Practice social distancing, but not social isolation. Limit in-person visits, make them understand the need to practice social distancing for them to be safe, but assure them that you are not going anywhere.
• Monitor daily check-ups by staying in touch with doctors and to assess if it’s okay to have tele-medicine.
• Set up emergency contacts and speed dials. Put all important phone numbers on speed dial and adding COVID-19 emergency hotline numbers.

Older persons need extra care and love from their family. It is also important that older persons continue to build relationships with peer groups and the rest of the community. Encourage the elderly to enjoy the privileges given to them by the government such as restaurant discounts and free movies. Lastly, this is a reminder to all to live a healthy lifestyle as early as possible and not let the ageing process hinder us to live life to the fullest. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND) 

References:

The Filipino Times. How come Filipinos live with extended families? Retrieved 6 October 2020 from https://filipinotimes.net/feature/2019/09/19/come-filipinos-live-extended-families/

Families in the Philippines. Retrieved 6 October 2020 from http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3874.html

Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Institute Research. 2018 ENNS Survey Results presented during the 2019 National Nutrition Summit at Dusit Thani Manila, June 25, 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2020 from https://fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-projects/news-and-announcement/763-2018-expanded-national-nutrition-survey

Radyo mo sa Nutrisyon. Episode 11 “Right Nutrition for Older Persons”. (21 August 2018). Nutrition for Adolescence. Retrieved 7 October 2020 from https://web.facebook.com/radyomosanutrisyon/posts/2047643041912437

World Health Organization. Protecting older people against COVID-19. Retrieved 9 October 2020 from https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/feature-stories/detail/protecting-older-people-against-covid-19

United Children’s Fund. Caring for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved 9 October 2020 from https://www.unicef.org/india/stories/caring-elderly-during-covid-19-pandemic