As people grow older, they become less active, especially after retirement from an active job. Food is required to maintain the health and state of the body, as in younger age groups, but less energy is needed. Senior citizens can maintain their health by following tips:
– Many elderly women and some men suffer from a condition called osteoporosis, which is result of gradual loss calcium and other minerals from the skeleton. Bones become brittle, may break easily, and are painful.
– To help prevent this problem everyone, but especially women, should have plenty of calcium and vitamin D in their diet when younger, and take regular exercise. There is evidence that taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at, and for few years after, menopause can help prevent osteoporosis in women.
– The size of meals should decrease as people become less active, but the quality should not. There is no need for elderly to eat soft or smooth foods only, unless they have a digestive disorder which makes this necessary; they can still enjoy crisps, crunchy; and hard foods, even if they wear dentures, providing that the dentures fit into the gums properly.
– It may be necessary to increase the intake of fiber to avoid constipation, which is common disorder in this age group. Many elderly people resort to using laxatives to prevent or ease constipation. This is undesirable and usually unnecessary if the diet contains sufficient fiber.
– A reduced income may mean that it is not possible to eat much meat or other protein foods, and this poses problems to many senior citizens. Pulses and cereals can be eaten as cheaper alternatives to meat and other and other animal protein foods, or to supplement them.
– Mobility problems may also influence where foods is purchased and how often, and the elderly may require help from the social services department or from willing neighbors.
– The loss of a partner may also affect the motivation to cook and eat well, and this often leads to poor health among the elderly.
– Senior citizen’s luncheon clubs are run by many religious organizations and charities to enable the elderly to meet in social atmosphere, and enjoy a meal together. This is good for their quality of life and happiness. And provide the chance to enjoy a cooked meal which they may not have at home. The meals are usually subsidized.
– Meals on wheels are provided in many areas, and offer daily social contact for elderly people, as well as a regular hot meal. In some areas, people now receive a weekly delivery of frozen meals which they reheat in microwave oven. This saves costs, but limits the important social contact.
Jane Kim writes for Society50 social networking website. You can visit Health and Diet Club of Society50 to ask your questions or just to get advise on any body and health related issue.
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