The effects of aging can be controlled or avoided by a well balanced diet in old age and through adequate nutrition. The overall health of old people is affected by several factors like depression, social isolation, decreased mobility and poor income. The health problems in old age that are related to nutrition are obesity, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Reduced energy level
In case of old people, as the age increases, the total amount of food that can be ingested is decreased. As a result, the energy level is decreased. However, the need of other nutrients remains almost the same. Thus, it is important to supply the required quantities of all the nutrients in the reduced energy level.
Points to be remembered
Along with age, the ability to digest huge meals is decreased. So, the amount of food that can be served at a time is decreased. If felt necessary, the frequency of meals can be raised as per the tolerance of the individual. The diet must consist of sufficient quantity of food that is rich in dietary fiber. This has a very good effect on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and constipation. The input of simple sugars ought to be decreased since these offer only empty calories. The foods that are rich in fats and particularly saturated fats must not be made part of the diet. This should be substituted by oils that are made up of high levels of poly unsaturated fatty acids like soyabean oil, sunflower oils etc. The result is that the state of hypertension and related cardio-vascular diseases is controlled and prevented. The requirement of the body for vitamin D is supplied by enough exposure to sunlight. So, those elderly people who are confined to their bed have to be offered supplements of this vitamin. Along with increasing age, there is a constant demineralization of bones. To make up for this loss, the aged people have to be offered a sufficient amount of calcium. The ingestion of foods rich in energy like starches, cereals, high or fried fat foods and sweets has to be gradually eliminated. The diet has to include considerable quantities of vegetables (specifically green leafy vegetables), fresh fruits, milk and milk products. Such a diet is self-sufficient in the mineral and vitamin requirements.
The diet in old age must be tasty, attractive and colorful. It must be offered in a pleasant ambience so that the interest of these people in food and their appetite is enhanced. There is a loss of teeth in old age. Some of these people do not use dentures. For such people, the foot must be soft. There must be a need of little or no mastication. So, the diet must comprise of soft fruits (like banana), stewed fruits, fruit juices, grated salads, soft cooked vegetables, gruels, tender meats and soft cooked eggs.
Along with the rules regarding diet, the old people are advised to maintain a sufficient level of light exercises and physical activity to have the required fitness level. It is recommended to have periodic health checkups and monitoring of weight.