becauseold peopleMany people have symptomsanorexia may be caused by illness have congenital disease unhappy mood does not make me want to eat poor digestive system decreased metabolic system have oral health problems Trouble sleeping, etc.
There are many other factors such as the economy, lack of people to take care of, environment, not a variety of food, not inviting to eat, etc. However, the elderly will always want food for the elderly delicious food boost immunity and prevent disease as well as people of other ages
aging societyIn Thailand, it has occurred since 2005 and is moving up to Super aging society in 2030 Which will have about 30% of the population aged 60 and over, and about 20% of the population aged 65 and over by 2041, scholars say, moving faster than Japan.
WHO set April 7 to beworld health day (World Health Day) and International Day of Older Persons falls on October 1, in Thailand is April 13.
The world’s population is getting older. And what every country is worried about is health of the elderly According to a survey by the National Council on Aging in America, it states that in 2023, America has an elderly population of about 40 million people and will move up to 80.8 million people (age 65+) in 2040. 79% of the elderly have at least 2 underlying diseases. Another 15 million people are economically unstable. This results in a lack of healthy eating.
information of world health organization (WHO) states that The cause of illness in the elderly is mainly from poor quality food, including fat, sodium and sugar linked to cancer in various organs, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, etc.
Golden Jubilee Medical Center Mahidol University Introducing the 8 principles of nutritionin food for the elderly as follows
– Eat a variety of foods in the right proportions. and take care of body weight
– mainly eat rice focus on brown rice and unrefined carbohydrates
– Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables
– Eat fish, eggs, lean meat Nuts and bean products
– drink milk and milk products
– Avoid high-fat, sweet, and salty foods.
– Drink enough clean water Avoid sweet drinks
– Reduce alcohol
Another concluding one is Always do exercises that are suitable for your age and physical condition, such as walking, gently swinging your legs to move your body.
Essential nutrients for the elderly:
Nourish the optic nerve: Foods containing vitamins A, B1, B12, C, E, lutein, zeaxanthin, selenium and zinc help the function of the retina. Slow down cataracts and macular degeneration
It is abundant in a variety of vegetables such as gourd, morning glory, broccoli, pumpkin, cauliflower, carrots, corn, guava, orange, papaya, berries, liver, eggs, oysters, fish, milk, etc.
Nourish the brain and nervous system: Prevent numbness at the tips of the hands and feet. Nourish with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lecithin, and vitamins B2, B6, B12.
It is abundant in sea fish, salmon, catfish, cod liver oil, egg yolk, ginkgo leaves, soybeans, brown rice, walnuts, canola oil, spinach, etc.
Nourish your body, strengthen your muscles: Protein helps the system of various organs to provide energy, strengthen muscles. help digestion and stimulate the functioning of the immune system
Protein foods : Elderly people rarely eat meat. Substitute with legumes, whey protein, milk and milk products, soy, tofu, lentils, eggs, and some lean meat and seafood.
Foods with fiber : It is a food that contains vitamins and minerals. contains antioxidants Help control weight, cure constipation, help the digestive system. Reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer.
Found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, mangoes, avocados, apples, broccoli, carrots, lentils, green leafy vegetables, beetroot, tomatoes, oats, quinoa, chia seeds, edamame, peas, almonds, beans. Red beans, white beans, black beans, cereal, natural yogurt
Department of Health recommended amount of foodfiberat 25–38 grams per day, and older people should get fiber every day to prevent constipation. and prevent NCDs
Techniques to help you eat more: Seniors need 1,400 – 1,800 calories per day. Depending on age, weight, height and daily energy consumption in the 5 main food groups, there are sufficient nutrients. Except cannot be eaten from the factor of illness until anorexia
how is Eat small meals at a time, but often, perhaps 5-6 times a day, and change the menu often, along with finding a way to replace the elderly diet. that may not be edible, for example, instead of meat that is difficult to digest with fish, eggs, tofu, protein substitute and seasoning with spices and herbs instead of excessively sweet and salty flavors.
Or add a snack from baked cereals to herbal tea, avoid fried food, oily food, tea and coffee.
Substitute desserts and sweet drinks with fresh fruit (not very sweet), vegetable smoothies and fruit.
create another atmosphere like eating with friends Invite family members, relatives, neighbors or friends to join the meal. Eating together will help you feel more fun and eat more food.
References: gj.mahidol.ac.th, ncoa.org