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SUKUMARAN
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Personal Health
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8:04 PM on June 13, 2008
deepa iyer's Answer
1. Energy : Energy requirements decrease with age. In addition to a normal decline in metabolism, a sackening of physical activity lowers energy needs still further. RDA call for a reduction of average energy allowances after 51 years of age of 600 Kcal / day for men and 300 Kcal for women.
2. Protein : Body protein in the healthy elderly is 60 to 70% of that of young adults, which might suggest a decrease need for dietary protein. Protein intake is related to energy intake, and although the latter tends to decrease with age, protein intake remains considerably higher than the RDA. Protein needs increase in relation to the severity and duration of disease. Stressful physical and psychologic stimuli can induce a negative nitrogen balance.
3. Carbohydrate : A reduced glucose tolerance renders the elderly more susceptible to temporary hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Insulin sensitivity may be improved by reducing the use of sugar and by increasing the amount of complex carbohydrate and soluble fiber in the diet.
4. Lipid : The recommended reduction of dietary fat is to no more than 30% of total Kilocalories also supports principles of weight control and cancer prevention.
5. Minerals : The allowances for calcium is the same as for younger adults, while the iron allowance for post menopasual women is the same as that for men i.e. 10mg. Anemia is of rather common occurrence in women, as is also osteoporosis, and a diet liberal in these mineral element is desirable.
6. Vitamins : The allowances for Vitamin A and the ascorbic acid are the same as those for younger adults. The B-complex vitamins are needed in the same proportion of calorie intake as for younger person. However, the reduction in the calorie requirement means that the total daily needs for thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin are likewise lower.
7. Water and Fiber : About 6 to 8 glasses fluid is as essential for the older person as it is for the younger individual. The kidneys can function more adequately when there is sufficient fluid with which to eliminate the waste solids. Water stimulates peristalsis and thus aids in combating constipation. When nocturia is a problem, the individual should be encouraged to take as much water as possible early in the day.
Many older persons select diets that are smooth in character. This choice, together with an inadequate fluid intake, can lead to persistent constipation and often to the use of harmful laxatives and mineral oil. Although rough fiber of tender vegetable, fruits and whole - grain cereals will encourage normal peristalsis.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF UNDER NUTRITION IN THE ELDERLY
1. Loss of teeth - Denture
2. Lack of attention from the other members of the family
3. If nuclear family, than lonely existence
4. Not very congenial economic conditions.
5. Chronic ailments which affect the appetite, digestion, absorption, resulting in poor nutrition.
6. Ignorance about good nutrition or food preparation
7. Alcoholism
8. Decreased physical ability to buy food or prepare a meal
FOR ENJOYMENT OF MEALS, EASE OF DIGESTION, AND GOOD REST
Give heed to following :-
• Serve colourful foods attractively on a tray if eating alone.
• Foods to be eaten leisurly in pleasant surrounding.
• Eat four or five light meals instead of three heavy meals
• Include essential foods first. Sweets may be taken in moderate amounts as excess may cause discomfort and lead to overweight.
• Good breakfast should be eaten to start the day right.
• Fatty meals are hard to digest at thie age, like rich bakery items, fried food, salad dressings, Sauces, Puddings Fatty meals should be avoided
• Heavy meals should be eaten at Lunch time instead of night to sleep well.
• Incase insomnia is a problem, use of stimulants like tea, coffee should b
Answered at
8:45 PM on June 16, 2008
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