Age brings about many changes to the elderly, including dietary needs. Find out how to overcome the challenge and meet evolving nutritional demands to stay strong, sharp and energised.
As we age, changes in our bodies and activity level mean nutritional needs change as well. In fact, caloric needs decrease with age and by 80, we require about 20 per cent fewer calories than we do when we are 30.
According to Serene Tay, Principal Dietitian, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, many age-related factors affect changes in nutritional intake. These include a less active lifestyle, poorer digestion, lower levels of sensory perception (taste, smell and sight), dental issues, discomfort due to dentures and swallowing problems.
“These factors mean seniors are not able to take in the recommended serving sizes and thus fail to meet daily requirements of calorie, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals,” she explained. Seniors are also at higher risk for dehydration because their thirst sensation is less acute.
Despite lower appetite and calorie-needs, proper nutrition in the senior years is essential to keep the body healthy and the mind alert to provide sufficient energy to go about the day.
Ms Tay said this means seniors should opt for nutrient-dense foods to ensure they get an adequate amount of essential nutrients even with smaller meals.
Related: The Needs of the Senior Palate: Ageing and Eating
Ensuring an adequate intake of good quality low-fat protein is important especially in seniors to address muscle loss and aid healing. Fish is an easy to digest protein and an excellent source of nutrition. Have two servings of fish a week and where possible, choose oily fish such as salmon, cod, tuna or sardines. Tinned sardines and salmon are good options as these have edible bones that provide a calcium boost.
Related: Recipe: Sliced Fish and Bee Hoon Soup
Avoid red and fatty meats as these are high in heart-clogging saturated fats. Instead, choose skinless chicken, lean red meats and lean cuts of pork. Eat meat sparingly and be mindful that a palm-sized cut of meat offers a single serving.
Related: Does Red Meat Cause Diabetes?
As we age, it is important to ensure that we take in enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis or brittle bone disease. Low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are all good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Tofu and soya bean milk are also excellent choices for the lactose intolerant.
Related: Calcium — For Greater Bone Strength
Always opt for wholemeal varieties of rice, noodles, bread or crackers as they provide a good source of energy-giving B vitamins and dietary fibre. A diet high in fibre doesn’t just promote healthy bowel function, but also offers protection against cardiovascular disease.
Related: Make a Healthier Choice Today!
Vitamins from whole foods are best and most easily absorbed – and nothing beats the vitamin- and antioxidant-packed goodness of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pick a colourful and varied ‘bouquet’ of fruit and vegetables each day as bright colours signal high antioxidant content and add a beautiful vibrancy to your meals.
Related: Fill Up on Fruits (and Vegetables)
Read the original article here
Mindful, healthy eating and a balanced diet can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.
In addition to a healthy diet, older adults need to exercise too. Do a combination of aerobic and strength-training exercises to maintain a healthy muscle mass.
Some older people may experience difficulty swallowing foods. As a result, they may not be able to receive the important nutrients they require.
Deficiencies in these essential nutrients such as Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D can lead to anaemia, increased risk of stroke and dementia, and osteoporosis.
Find out more about the needs of the senior palate and learn how you can help make food taste better for seniors.
Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.
Read these next:
This article was last reviewed on 21 Dec 2021
Related Articles
Related Stories
Learn the right way to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of germs. Dispel the common misconceptions of hand hygiene and start practising proper hand washing today!
Subsidised health screening for Singapore Citizens.
Protect yourself and your loved ones from vaccine-preventable diseases like influenza and pneumococcal disease. There is no reason why anyone should suffer from the serious complications vaccine-preventable diseases can cause. Your best defence against such diseases is getting vaccinated.
Browse Live Healthy