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In our ongoing effort to meet both mandates
of “Connections”, informing readers about RGP services and promoting wellness
by providing information on matters relevant to aging and health, following
is an article by St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital Registered Dietitian,
June Fransblow.
NUTRITION
IN THE OLDER ADULT
Regardless of where older adults are living,
the emphasis on food and healthy eating practices is important to promote
quality of life. The United Nations declared 1999 International Year
of the Older Person. Therefore, Dietitians of Canada wisely chose for
the theme of National Nutrition Month ’99, “Eat Well, Live
Well for a Lifetime.”
Dietitians of Canada, in their Resource Manual for Health
Professionals, “Eat Well, Live Well for a Lifetime”, suggest when you
think of healthy aging, think of LIFE:
Lifestyle Follow a healthy lifestyle as you
age, embrace change and consider nutrition an important aspect of good
health.
IndependenceNutrition
can help prevent disease and therefore help one maintain independence.
Food. Variety in your food choices adds fun,
as well as nutrients to your eating.
Energy. Healthy eating
gives you energy so you can live life to the fullest. Stay active to
improve energy levels and enhance the enjoyment of food.
As adults age, changes in body composition, systems
and organ function affect food choices and changes to health and nutritional
status. Social changes, such as decreased income or loss of spouse and
friends, also affect intake.
Physiological changes of aging include:
- Decrease in lean body tissue reduces energy needs: older adults do
not need as much energy, however they, continue to need vitamins, minerals
and a nutrient-dense diet
- Loss of bone mass increases risk of osteoporosis: a diet which includes
dairy products, an excellent source of Vitamin D, is important to the
maintenance of bone health
- Decline in the immune function increases risk of infection: consumption
of foods rich in protein, Vitamin A, B6, C, D and E, as well as zinc,
is required. Also, reduced taste and smell contributes to lack of appetite.
Buying colorful, tasty foods may help to stimulate appetite.
- Tooth loss and dry mouth: often compromises
food intake; modifying textures may be necessary (minced, ground, pureed);
increase moisture in food with sauces or gravies
- Decline in kidney function and thirst
mechanism increases risk of dehydration
- Changes in gastrointestinal function
contributes to constipation: eating fruits, vegetables and grains for
fibre and drinking fluids, especially water, is important; impaired
nutrient absorption
In order to improve overall health follow:CANADA’S
GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY EATING (Health & Welfare Canada)
1.
Enjoy
a variety of foods
2.
Emphasize
cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruit
3.
Choose
lower fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little
or not fat
4.
Achieve
and maintain a healthy weight by enjoying regular physical activity
and healthy
5.
Limit
salt, alcohol and caffeine
As adults age, they continue to need the minimum daily requirements
in Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating:
At least 5 servings of grain products
At least 5 servings of vegetables and
fruit
At least 2-4 servings of milk products
2-3 servings of meat or alternatives
"Other Foods" contain sugars,
fats, spices, sweets, alcohol, all of which add taste and flavour to meals, however,
they should be used in moderation
You should seek nutritional advice if:
- ·
you are
not able to eat the minimum number of servings suggested
- ·
you have
gained or lost 10 lbs. in the past 6 months
- ·
you have
a condition or disease that forces you change the kind and amount of
food eaten
- ·
tooth
and mouth problems
- ·
you are
not able to prepare or shop for your food
Try to plan your meals ahead, make them colorful
and invite family or friends to eat with you if possible. Nutrition is
important to your health and well being. For complete and accurate nutritional
care, the professional choice is a Registered Dietitian. The foregoing
nutritional suggestions are general, however,
if you have specific concerns about your health contact your family physician.
If you have any
questions or would like further information about this subject, please
contact June Fransblow, Registered Dietitian, Providence
Continuing Care Centre, St. Mary’s of the Lake
Hospital Site
at 548-7222 Ext. 2227. For further information regarding the services
of the Regional Geriatric Program, please call 548-7222 Ext. 2341 or 1-800-214-5848
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