One of the most disheartening things we see in the senior care and Geriatric health care space is the poor quality of diet and nutrition in our elderly. As people grow older one of the biggest health sacrifices they make is by cutting down on the amount of food they take, due to fears of indigestion, Weight gain, improper guidance from well-wishers and general disinterest in preparing and eating nutritious food.
In fact, it is even more critical to be mindful of ensuring that you eat a properly balanced diet which includes
• Right amount of calories,
• Adequate carbohydrates,
• High source of protein,
• Adequate supplementation of calcium vitamins and minerals
• Any special considerations, depending on chronic health conditions.
Protein Requirements:
One of the most common deficiencies we see is protein deficiency. This leads to rapid weight loss, weakening of muscles, loss of tone in the body, and inability to do day-to-day tasks. Ideally at the age of 55 and above it is recommended to consume between 0.6grams -1.0 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day.
To make it even simpler we advise a minimum of 50 grams of protein per day if you are 50 kilos and above after the age of 60. Protein is not only important for maintaining your muscle, But also for keeping your skin healthy and various organs in the body functioning.
Carbohydrate Requirements:
Another very important resource in elderly nutrition is carbohydrates. Unfortunately, in recent years it has become falsely spread through various sources that you should cut down carbohydrates especially if you are diabetic or overweight. This is absolutely wrong and everybody should consume a minimum of 100-200 grams of carbohydrates every day to give the body sufficient energy to perform day-to-day tasks.
Severe carbohydrate deficiency also causes ketosis, unfortunately, ketosis is a very dangerous condition that will lead to multiple organ failure, pancreatitis, and even death. Ketosis’s role in weight loss or control diabetes is only temporary and the benefits are negligible when compared to the risks. Carbohydrates should always be a combination of simple as well as complex carbohydrates.
Fat Requirements:
Fats are of two types so-called healthy and unhealthy fats. By removing fats completely from your diet you will be immediately destroying vitamin storage and absorption because vitamins A,D,E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. A healthy combination of fats through egg, ghee, butter as well as fruits like avocado, etc are absolutely essential in required quantities.
Vitamin and Mineral Requirements:
One of the most dangerous consequences of improper nutrition is the reduction of vitamins levels in the body. This, in turn, leads to severe side effects including problems with the nervous system, problems of weak bones, poor immunity, delay in recovery from small problems and hair loss, weight loss, dental issues, and also sleep issues.
Food has been one of the most common ways for families to bond, and one of the more enjoyable experiences in our lives. In fact at the age of 60 and above we should encourage ourselves and our family members to eat to their heart’s content while keeping our body’s requirements in mind.
Just like clothes, everybody cannot use the same nutritional guidance and it is necessary to understand your body and your health parameters and then make a diet plan in collaboration with a trained nutritionist.
We at RESTORY calculate MyHealthScore for you and arrive at diet and nutrition recommendations. We believe nutrition should be fun and enjoyable and should not feel like a constant sacrifice.
To know more please contact our clinical assessment team at +919888358666.
