Meals for the elderly

Heather Little-White, PhD, Contributor

As one progresses through life, nutritional needs change and meals have to be adjusted to meet the needs. While the elderly may want to consume crisp, crunchy, seed-filled foods, they may have to pass and eat soft foods that are easy to eat, requiring as little chewing as possible, as a result of changes to the dental framework and the gastrointestinal tract. What are the foods that are denture-friendly? These include cooked or baked vegetables, fresh fruit, and peas and beans that are nutritious and inexpensive.

Challenges

As one ages, the caloric needs of the elderly decrease as a result of a decrease in muscle strength and less physical activity. The elderly still need the same nutrients to stay healthy - protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Special conditions may require calcium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid and zinc. At times, it may be challenging because of health problems which may limit what can be eaten, or trying to coordinate meals and medications.

other factors

There are other factors that may compromise the nutrition of the elderly. These include eating poorly, economic hardship, reduced social interaction, involuntary weight loss or gain, and needing assistance with self care.

There is the tendency to increase the use of supplements with ageing, but according to Valentina Remig, assistant professor of human nutrition at Kansas State University, healthy components like phytochemicals in real food, included in the diet, provide health-giving benefits like lowering cholesterol and preventing cancer.

Constipation

Elderly persons should drink generous amounts of fluids, eight to 12 cups a day, although they fear frequent visits to the bathroom. As people age, thirst decreases and if special efforts are not made to drink enough water, constipation could result. Tea, coffee, soda, fruit juice and soup are excellent sources of fluids, and should be had throughout the day. Plain water is the preferred source of fluid.

Meal planning

Foods that promote elderly health:

Choices should be given from a variety of foods.

Menu should be changed regularly so that it does not get monotonous.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be served every day.

Food should be attractively presented.

Protein foods

Foods rich in protein include: eggs, lean meat, chicken, milk, cheese, white fish, beans and lentils.

Oily fish

Oily fish is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Excellent sources are salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and trout.

Fruits

Those high in vitamin C are recommended - mangoes, lemon, citrus fruits, apples, blackcurrants and strawberries.

Vegetables

Vegetables high in vitamin A (beta carotene) and vitamin C - carrots, callaloo, pak choi, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, sweet peppers, pumpkin, avocado.

Nuts, seeds and grains

Another source of omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamin E is found in unsalted nuts like cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, wheatgerm, wholewheat bread, wholewheat cereals and brown rice. These are excellent sources of fibre, which helps to ease constipation.

Besides the nourishment they supply, meal times are important in the lives of the elderly, as they offer them the opportunity to be with others, especially if they are in an adult care institution.

heatherl@cwjamaica.com