Elderly people should consume easily digestible foods, supplement vitamins and calcium, limit salty foods, and divide them into several meals a day.
MSc. Doctor Tran Thi Tham, Clinical Nutrition Center, Bach Mai Hospital, said that as age increases, the elderly have many physiological and psychological changes. The ability to sense taste decreases, the digestive organs as well as teeth work worse than before, leading to the ability to digest and absorb food being affected.
Furthermore, the aging process also increases the likelihood of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the elderly need a reasonable diet that provides adequate nutrients to live happily and healthily.
For the elderly, food choice plays an important role in ensuring nutrition. Each meal needs a variety of foods from the grain groups, including whole grains; Protein-rich food groups such as pork, beef, fish, chicken, nuts; low-fat milk and dairy products; Fat-rich food groups such as vegetable oils such as olive oil and soybean oil; Nuts such as cashews, walnuts…
In addition, the elderly often encounter deficiencies of some micronutrients such as vitamin D and calcium. Adding foods rich in calcium such as yogurt, cheese, small fish braised with bones, salmon, etc. is necessary. You should eat foods high in fiber such as vegetables, tubers, and fruits.
Each meal needs a variety of foods from the grain groups, including whole grains. Illustration photo: Pexels
Limited foods are red meat and processed meat (sausages, sausages, bacon); fried foods, greasy foods; sugar, candy, alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, coffee. Limit foods high in sodium such as salt, MSG, fish sauce, seasoning, soup powder…
Food should be steamed, boiled, and stewed thoroughly; soft, small cuts. Change the menu often, don’t eat too much, especially at night, and don’t skip meals. Divide into several meals a day (3 main meals, 2 snacks), eat slowly, chew thoroughly.
After eating, rest or walk lightly for 30 minutes. Monitor your weight regularly. If you have chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension… need advice from a nutritionist.
Elderly people also need an exercise regimen as well as physical and mental health care. Choose sports that are suitable for your health condition such as walking, light exercise, etc. to improve your health and maintain a reasonable weight. Join a fitness class or a senior club to have more companions. Encourage exercise and movement to maintain muscle mass and function. Create a happy, warm, and caring family relationship for the elderly.