In support to Republic Act 9257 (The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003) and RA 9994 (The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010), the Department of Health issued Administrative Orders for health implementers to undertake and promote senior citizens' health and wellness, as well as to alleviate the conditions of older people suffering from degenerative diseases.
“MahALAGA sina Lolo at Lola sa Panahon ng Pandemya” is the theme for this year's Elderly Filipino Week. The theme “offers an important message, that together we have a duty and responsibility to support older persons in realizing their worth, dignity, and human rights amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Karen S. Gomez-Dumpit, Focal Commissioner on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons at the Commission on Human Rights.
Elderly or senior citizen refers to person over 65 years old. Aging is a pattern of life. At the biological level, caused by the accumulation of a range of molecular and cellular damage throughout time.
A multitude of changes in the body are associated with aging, including muscle loss, thinner skin, and lower stomach acid. Some of these changes may put older people at risk for vitamin deficiencies, while others may have an impact on their senses and overall quality of life.
Another issue that come to light as people age is decrease in their calorie requirements. Unfortunately, this results in a nutritional conundrum. While eating fewer calories, older adults require just as much, if not more, of some nutrients.
Fortunately, they may meet their nutrient needs by eating a varied range of healthy foods and taking a supplement for support. Here are some of the essential nutrients needed for the elderly.
Calcium and Vitamin D - Adults older than 70 need more calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health. To meet these needs, select calcium-rich foods and beverages cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, canned fish with soft bones, and fortified plant-based beverages. Sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon, eggs and fortified foods and beverages. If you take a calcium supplement or multivitamin, choose one that contains vitamin D. The elderly may also opt to bask under the sunlight daily.
Vitamin B12 - Some adults older than 50 may not be able to absorb enough vitamin B12. Fortified cereal, lean meat and fish and seafood are sources of vitamin B12. Better to ask your doctor or a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist if you need a vitamin B12 supplement.
Dietary Fiber - The elderlies are advised to eat fiber-rich foods to help lower the risk for heart disease and Type-2 diabetes. Moreover, whole-grain breads and cereals, and more beans peas and lentils along with whole fruits and vegetable also provide dietary fiber.
Potassium - Consuming adequate potassium, along with limiting sodium (salt) intake, may lower the elderlies’ risk of high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables, beans and low-fat or fat-free dairy products are all sources of potassium. Also, select and prepare foods with little or no added salt. Add flavor to food with herbs and spices as replacement.
Establishing policies and programs that expand shelter alternatives, make transportations accessible, promote age diversity in the workplace, and safeguard older people from poverty through social protection and healthcare systems are all examples of cross-sectoral actions in support to the welfare of the senior citizens Making progress in the area of healthy aging will necessitate a far greater understanding of age-related concerns and trends. (PNFP Gwyn Y. Balaba)
References:
10 facts on ageing and health. (2017, May 1). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/10-facts-on-ageing-and-health
Ageing and health. (2018, February 5). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
Healthy and productive ageing program. (2018, 19 2018). Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/Health-and-Wellness-Program-for-Senior-Citizen
Raman, M. R. S. (2017, September 5). How Your Nutritional Needs Change as You Age. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutritional-needs-and-aging
