4 Elderly Health

Better Nutrition for Better Elderly Health

Due to better living conditions, widespread health awareness, and improved medical facilities, the life span of people all across the world has drastically increased. The State of Aging and Health in America 2007 report reaffirms this fact. According to the report, the population of the United States is rapidly aging. By 2030 the number of Americans aged 65 and above will make up 20% of the U.S. population. Furthermore, for preserving and improving elderly health, by the year 2030, the nation\’s health care spending will increase by 25%.
Aging is associated with a number of changes in body composition, physiology, and psychology. Additionally, a lot of changes also occur in lifestyle, medical, and socioeconomic conditions. All these changes have a profound effect on the health of the elderly. Apart from age-related diseases like anemia, infection, hypotension, hip fracture, cancer, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and so forth, the elderly people are also exposed to increased risk of nutrient deficiency.
Nutrient deficiency is something that can be fully controlled by diet. Here are some recommendations to make sure that the elderly person gets maximum essential nutrients from his diet and stays healthy.
* Increase antioxidants in the diet: As we age, our body\’s antioxidant system becomes less effective. Hence, for better elderly health, intake of antioxidants should be increased. Cranberries, whole grains, soy, carrot, tomato, spinach, garlic, Brussels sprout, broccoli, blueberries, plums, blackberries, and red grapes are rich sources of antioxidants.
* A substantial amount of fiber is also required: On the one hand fiber improves bowel movement and the other hand it helps to maintain optimal cholesterol levels. Beans, green pea, orange, raspberry, apple, cherry, peanut, almond, turnip greens, and oats are a good source of fiber.
* Elderly should eat foods rich in proteins and vitamin B12: 1.0 to 1.25 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day is required for proper maintenance of elderly health. Furthermore, the body\’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 also declines with age. Foods like salmon, sardines, flounder, albacore tuna, soybeans, and walnuts are a rich source of both protein and vitamin B12. An added advantage of consuming these foods is that they are also rich in omega-3 fats which not only improves brain function and lowers high blood pressure, but also enhances immunity and reduces inflammation.
* For good elderly health sodium intake should be reduced: As the age progresses the sense of taste and smell diminishes and for this reason old people are often found adding salt to their food. High salt intake increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. According to the new dietary guidelines sodium should be reduced to less that 1 teaspoon per day.