What are the problems faced by the elderly?
Many of the problems faced by the elderly are exacerbated either directly or indirectly by poor nutrition. It is usually an insufficient intake of essential nutrients, fiber and water. Health problems such as cardiovascular, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease and even cancer are affected by foods that are or are not commonly consumed by seniors.
In addition to the lack of information and bad food choices, it seems that the global economic crisis has also affected the diet of the elderly. Low pensions and continuous increases in the prices of various products and services have led the elderly to cut back on food in order to survive.
The nutrition pyramid for elderly people
Starch group
Seniors, like any age, have their own nutritional needs. The nutrition pyramid for seniors emphasizes that they should consume at least six servings of starch-based products daily, such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, with an emphasis on wholemeal and rye, which provide fiber, necessary for proper bowel function.
Starchy products are also quite economical in price and are commercially available all year round. They offer several vitamins and nutrients, while being low in fat and sodium, protecting against hyperlipidemia and hypertension.
Group of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables also contain valuable vitamins, antioxidants that protect the body against cancer and fiber, which fights constipation and gastrointestinal problems. Seniors should eat three or more servings of vegetables and two or more servings of fruit every day. Special emphasis should be placed on dark green, orange, yellow and red fruits and vegetables. You prefer fresh seasonal produce that contains more nutrients and you find it at a lower price than out-of-season produce. Also the standardized and pre-cooked ones have a lower nutritional value and a higher price.
Do not throw away vegetable scraps. You can use them to make a nice vegetable soup that can be a light and very healthy dinner. Older people can choose to shop for their fruits and vegetables at the market as there is a variety and they can be found at various prices so that they can choose based on their financial situation.
Milk group
Dairy products should be low-fat and at least three servings per day. You can choose fresh milk and yogurt which contain calcium and can be a light evening meal at a low cost.
Meat group
For the meat group, the food pyramid recommends three portions per day. This group includes fish, poultry, red meat and legumes. You prefer frequent consumption of legumes that cost less and have more fiber, help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fish are a very healthy choice because of the omega-3 fatty acids they contain. But they cost a lot and the elderly rarely include them in their diet. A good and cheap option is frozen fish, which has a lot of nutritional value, especially if it has been frozen immediately after being caught.
In conclusion..
All foods each have their own distinct nutrients. Even if the choice is made based on the economic cost of each food, what we must pay attention to is that there is variety and to choose foods from all food groups.
Photo source: www.bigstockphoto.com
GEORGIA ISARI
Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist
