The elderly population is one that often gets forgotten whenpeople talk about healthy eating and the importance of protein. Those belongingto a younger generation may not see the need to stay educated about the needsof our aging population. It becomes a little easier when, instead of looking atelderly people as a whole, we begin to put a face to them. We are talking aboutyour Grandmother and Grandfather, favorite uncle or aunt, aging family friendsand all those that play such an important role in our lives.
So, what do we all need to know?
· Loss of appetite- Illness, chronic medicalconditions, and depression can all be reasons that it seems older folks don’teat very much. Why does this matter? Smaller amounts of food being taken in canbe a cause of protein deficiency. If the amounts of calories that are taken inare smaller, a greater amount will need to be from protein rich resources.
· Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) - this is a conditionthat is marked by an inadequate amount of protein and calories in a person’sdiet, leaving the body without the minimal required nutrition to function. Thiscondition is often seen in the elderly that live in assisted living or nursinghomes, but can also be seen in children that are not getting good nutrition athome; up to 48% of hospital patients have this issue.
· When we age our muscle mass naturally declinesand our total body fat goes up. Keeping a nutritionally balanced diet becomesmore of a challenge when older people begin to lose their sense of taste andsmell and some foods can seem less appetizing. Also, keep in mind that manyprotein rich foods can be hard to eat with tooth loss.
We all need protein. Protein provides the building blocksthat muscles use, helps immune and brain function, and provide the energy weneed to move about in our daily lives. As we age a balanced diet, with plentyof protein, will help to keep our brains and bodies limber; reminding those inour lives that are of advanced age of the importance of protein is essential.
References:
“Nutrition and Aging”- Colorado State University http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09322.html
“Protein Deficiency in the Elderly”- Livestrong.com http://www.livestrong.com/article/10051-need-protein-deficiency-elderly/
0 comments:
Posting Komentar