5 November 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – “Older adults are also at risk for malnutrition. Those at risk before the pandemic are even more vulnerable due to unhealthy eating habits and food insecurity. As part of the Filipino Elderly Week celebration and our support and concern to the elderlies, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) X is holding this webinar. It is to highlight the importance of nutrition among elderlies, especially during this pandemic”, Nutrition Program Coordinator (NPC) Gladys Mae S. Fernandez said.
The elderly is one of the affected populations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It does not only affect their physical health, but their mental health as well. To support their physical, mental and social needs, the NNC X in coordination with Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) organized the webinar entitled “Nutrisyon ni Lolo’t Lola, Tutukan ngayong Pandemya!”
The webinar was held last 26 October 2021 via Zoom. It was attended by 190 participants composed of senior citizens, local nutrition workers, Regional Nutrition Committee members and representatives from the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs region-wide attended the webinar.
Before the discussion, an inspirational message was delivered by Mr. Michael Christopher E. Fabello, CSWD Overseer of CSWDO, Cagayan de Oro City.
Resource speaker, Mr. Jonnel Fred Y. Galdo, Chief Dietitian of Camp Evangelista Station Hospital imparted insights on how to better take care of the physical and psychological health of the elderly, especially in this time of the pandemic, through good nutrition. He explained the dietary guidelines for the older adults and discussed some considerations regarding the special needs of the elderly in terms of nutrition.
Further, he emphasized that attending to the social needs of the elderly is deemed important to support their healthy eating habits. The COVID-19 pandemic did not only take a toll on their health but also limits their social activities which are crucial for their mental health.
Aging affects the physiological health of a person. It weakens their immunity, making them more susceptible to illnesses. With these changes, older persons need to eat a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables to meet their nutrient and caloric needs. Likewise, they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for longevity and overall health. Considerations in food preparation, food restrictions for certain illnesses, and practical tips on feeding the elderly were also discussed by Mr. Galdo.
The webinar did not only encourage the seniors to eat healthy and nutritious foods to address their needs. Also, it encourages their loved ones to pay attention to their needs and secure their health, physical and mental, amidst the pandemic.
NNC X constantly calls for united efforts to realize the worth, dignity and human rights of the elderly amid the COVID-19. NPC Fernandez quoted, “Tayong lahat samang-sama tutukan ang nutrisyon ni Lolo’t Lola.” (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
