Nutrition is the process of eating healthy foods and having a balanced diet to obtain the nutrients that our body needs to sustain bodily functions. Whatever age group you belong, keeping a healthy body is vital to be less susceptible to infections and diseases that may affect our way of living. 

It is inevitable that as we get old, a lot of changes may occur. As what they say, change is the only constant in life. Nutritional requirements of elderly are different from adults. Younger adults need more calories to sustain energy for their active lifestyle, while the elder adults require few calories but more protein. However maintaining good health is difficult for elder adults as they have to face changes that make it harder for them to eat healthy. The following are the factors that makes staying healthy difficult for elder adults; living alone all of a sudden, body weakness which makes it harder for them to cook, income, deterioration in sense of smell and  taste, problems with mastication and swallowing. Listed below are the Nutri-tips for your beloved Lolo’t lola:

• Drink Water – drinking water is pivotal to help compensate for changes that are happening in the body. Frequent drinking of drinking water is significant for regulating the body temperature. Also, dehydration makes the elderly be more susceptible to having ailments such as muscle pain, heat exhaustion, and fatigue.
• Make eating a habit – most of the elder adults are living alone and are isolated. Some of them are not able to buy healthy foods due to problems with mobility. It is highly encouraged to eat with your elderly parents, relative, or friend. There is a high possibility that seniors may not be able to enjoy eating as much as they used to. Being surrounded by friends or family encourages them to have appetite to eat.
• Eat a balanced diet – to provide necessary nutrients for our elderly, we have to make sure to make them eat different variety and colors of vegetable and fruits. The following are the nutrients that the elders need to have a healthy and strong body;
• • Omega-3 Fatty acids – this fatty acid is essential for preventing inflammation which is one of the root causes of diseases.
  • Calcium – sufficient calcium in the body helps in maintain strong and healthy bones and prevent the risk of having osteoporosis. In addition, Calcium helps in preventing breakage of the bones and can help in lowering blood pressure.
  • Iron – enough iron in the body is necessary to supply sufficient oxygen in the body. Adequate iron in the body is vital to prevent the usual occurrence of tiredness and fatigue in the elderly.
  • Vitamin C – older people are more susceptible to flu and diseases. Vitamin C is required by the body to have a stronger immunity. Aside for boosting the immune system, vitamin C is helpful in repairing body tissues.
  • Protein – as we get older, we need around 50% more protein than a younger adult. Aging bodies are unable to process protein efficiently as it used to when it was younger, therefore elders need more of it to maintain muscle mass and strength to accomplish daily bodily functions.

• Modify food texture – one of the changes that elderly have to face is the changes in their teeth. Most of the elderly lose their dentition which makes it difficult for them to chew crunchy foods. Hence, providing softer versions of foods that they used to love is essential to help seniors meet their nutritional requirements.
• Be Physically Active – being physically active is one of the most important thing for health. It helps in delaying the problems that you might encounter as you age and it helps in making the muscle stronger so that doing everyday task is lighter.

In general, eating in healthy way is essential in every age group, most especially in older age. Choosing nutritious foods may benefit you in managing your health and preventing chronic illnesses that can possibly occur in the future. It can also help you live your golden years with much energy and vitality.

//Rianne Mae C. Cabahug, CMU On-the-Job Trainee

REFERENCES

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