As people get older their metabolism changes, there is a decrease in hormones produced in the body and they need a well balanced diet with enough supplements to stay healthy
A healthy geriatric diet plan should include:
- A variety of fruits(for vitamins and fibre)
- A variety of vegetables(for vitamins and fibre)
- Meat or lentils(for proteins)
*Meat eaters should stick to lean meat to ensure that they get proteins without the calories
*Vegetarians should have a large helping of protein rich foods like lentils - A sufficient quantity of milk
- Water
Geriatric diet supplements: Why?
- The aged absorb nutrients from food at a slower rate.
- The amount of nutrients required by geriatrics increases
- Due to their age, geriatrics require certain supplements that is not easily available in the food we eat
- Omega 3 Fatty acids: Decreases the risk of heart disease, cancer and arthritis (found in flax seeds, walnuts, and fish)
- Calcium: Preserves bone health and it lowers blood pressure (found in milk and dairy products. For the lactose intolerant, there are fortified non-dairy milks like almond or soy, and fortified orange juice)
- Potassium: Keeps bones strong. Antidote for depression, reduces blood pressure and risk of kidney stones (found in bananas)
- Magnesium: Helps the immune system and the heart. Older people sometimes use diuretics and this flushes out the magnesium in the body (found in dried fruits, and leafy vegetables)
- Fibre: Helps digestion. As people age, digestion and ridding the body of waste becomes difficult (found in fruits and vegetables)
- Vitamin B12: This is important for the red blood cells and for maintaining nerve function. This may have to be taken as a supplement as fresh food does not contain enough.
- Folate/Folic Acid: Prevents anaemia. Certain vegetables are rich in folates but geriatrics may need to take a supplement
- Vitamin D: This helps maintain bone density, helps the body absorb calcium and prevents osteoporosis.
Tip: Consult your physician before you pop in supplements.
Diet tips for geriatrics
- Lessen salt in food
- Avoid very sugary treats
- Keep hydrated
- Have smaller, more frequent meals
- Have an early dinner
- Sip water through the day
- Avoid fatty food and deep fried food