| |
 Nutrition & the Elderly
The elderly are the fastest growing proportion in most industrialised countries. This group is also the most at risk to many health risks and this is due to poor diet that lacks in nutrients. A large proportion of the elderly do not receive the recommended amounts and types of food that is essential for their nutritional needs. There are many reasons why elderly persons do not consume or have a healthy, well balanced nutritious diet. These include physiological, economic and psychological changes that can and do contribute to poor nutrition amongst the elderly.
A person experiences many physiological and metabolic changes after the age of fifty years, all of which impact significantly on the needs of an individual. A person's metabolic rate can decline as much as thirty percent over a lifetime. Older people
can have difficulties obtaining sufficient calories which may result in depression, a weakened immune system or chronic fatigue. Certain changes in one's metabolism can become worse due to the common complications from the oral and dental problems, digestive difficulties and eating and medication and nutrient problems.
The risk of malnourishment in the elderly is affected by the low fat, low cholesterol craze that has captured the nation. Many elderly people fear fat and cholesterol, concerned about their health. Whilst many elderly people impose limits on their fat and cholesterol consumption in order to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, others argue that the appropriateness of these restrictions is an area for debate. Good nutrition helps vitality and independence, poor nutrition has proved to lengthen the recovery time following an illness. It also leads to a poorer quality of life.
Due to the lower fat message, many elderly people replace fat calories with simple carbohydrate calories. There have been some concerns that low fat diets may exacerbate insulin resistance leading to hyperinsulinemia. Those foods that are dense in calories are easily replaced by higher fat foods that are dense in nutrients. Those who have an intake of high carbohydrate foods can become overweight. The intake of foods that are dense in calories, poor in nutrients can lead to a lack of important nutrients which are thought to prevent many chronic diseases.
It is very easy for elderly people to reduce their consumption of many nutrients that are found in the food groups and are very important. This is sometimes to them being advised to restrict or eliminate. Restructuring the dietary choices in elderly people can result in some food groups being completely eliminated, making them lack in nutritional benefit and posing serious health risks.
It is therefore important that the impact of dietary modifications for the intake of fat is evaluated for elderly people. Experts are also recommended that when diets of older adults are evaluated, there is not an over restriction on certain food groups. More emphasis should be on a person's dietary needs to address problems such as diabetes, renal problems and food allergies. All nutritional advice that is given to older adults should bear in mind the changing psychological, physiological, social and economical capabilities of the individual and making sure that their overall nutritional needs are met with the freedom to make sure that meals and eating remains an important aspect to an individual's quality of life during their later years.
The Blood Type Diet
The blood type diet is a diet that is becoming popular among many. It began in 1996 after a publication of a book that stated the importance of blood type in determining nutritional needs. The blood type diet is based around meeting certain...
The Thiamin Vitamin
Thiamin is also known as vitamin B1. When it is balanced within your body, it can provide for better overall functioning and balance in your everyday life. Having the right amount of thiamin in your body will help in many ways, as thiamin is a...
Knowing Your Vitamins and Minerals
There are several vitamins and minerals that are available for you to have as part of your nutritious outline. Each of these vitamins and minerals holds different types of nutrients for your body and will focus on different areas. When looking...
Facts About Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also referred to as ergocalciferol through scientific terms and because of its makeup and compounds. It is also known to be an important supplement for the body and providing levels of nutrition. Each vitamin that you give to your...
What To Know About Riboflavin
Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2 or vitamin G and is one of the most essential ingredients to be included in a daily diet. It has several qualities to it that can help with your body and increase your everyday health. By knowing the...
|
|
|
|
|