In Mexico, 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 depend on the care of another person and 3 out of 10 require partial help, according to data provided by the Ministry of Health. Likewise, the entity added that, currently, between 13 and 14 million people over the age of 60 live in the country and only 6 out of 10 are independent.
Every August 28 marks the National Day of Older Adults and in the 2022 edition, Luis Miguel Gutiérrez Robledo, general director of the National Institute of Geriatrics (Inger) highlighted that 70 years ago, people lived an average of 40 years and today, life expectancy at birth reaches 80 years.
A good quality of life is essential to be able to be independent
So the official said that “it is essential to create awareness of the need for health care from childhood to reach adulthood with a good quality of life and with physical and mental health in order to be independent.” In addition, he indicated that “national discrimination surveys indicate that older adults feel segregated, mainly within health services.”
For all of the above, he reported that “Inger promotes the ‘WHO Decade for Healthy Aging’ initiative with actions to eliminate age discrimination and promote social participation of those who are in this population group.”
Healthy eating is also essential
On the other hand, Mónica Mirando Mendiola, clinical nutritionist at the Regional General Hospital (HGR) No. 1 “Dr. Carlos Mac Gregor Sánchez Navarro” from the IMSS pointed out that a healthy and balanced diet allows older adults to prevent sarcopenia, obesity, malnutrition, frailty syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders, conditions that arise from the age of 60.
That is why the diet of older adults should include foods such as lean meats, fish, skimmed dairy products, and derivatives. In addition, their diet should be high in fiber, since they tend to be constipated and preparations should be considered to be high in Vitamin D, Zinc and Calcium. It is also recommended that they exercise and have a healthy family environment.