Define dietary modifications in the diet of the elderly, Biology

Assignment Help:

Define Dietary modifications in the diet of the elderly?

Loss of teeth due to increased decay of teeth and gums is common in aged person. Fitting dentures may also make chewing difficult. A change in the texture and method of food preparation is recommended. Consequently, well cooked and soft meals must be included in the diet. Care must be taken to avoid too much of soft carbohydrate-rich foods and include foods that provide nutrients such as vitamins, proteins and minerals like calcium.

  1. There is decreased secretion of saliva, which makes swallowing difficult. Therefore, soups, vegetables with gravies, curds or raitas, dals should be included in the meals and very dry meals should be avoided.
  2. Gastric acidity decreases in a large percentage of old people. Peptic, tryptic, amylolytic and biolytic activities of the digestive secretions are decreased. Reduced acid secretion and muscle weakness leads to delayed oesophageal emptying, poor tolerance to fat, distention, flatulence and constipation. A liberal intake of fibre and fluid (at least 8 glasses of water or non alcoholic caffeine free beverages) should be consumed by an elderly .person to facilitate the digestion process. Roughage in the form of tender vegetables and fruits is beneficial against the problem of constipation.
  3. Protective foods (fruits/vegetables) must be included in the diet of elderly. Every effort must be made in order to incorporate these in the daily diet.
  4. Impaired absorption of iron and calcium may occur because of hypochlorhydria (decreased stomach acidity). This may lead to anaemia and may contribute to osteoporosis. Iron and calcium-rich food stuff should be included in the daily dietary intake.
  5. Elderly people also have to make a conscious effort of drinking water in order to remain well hydrated especially in warm climate. This happens because of a reduced thirst mechanism with increase in age. This also helps to overcome the problem of constipation, which is a very common complaint during this age.
  6. The energy intake should be sufficient to maintain normal weight without leading to obesity or weight loss. Under nutrition is undesirable and obesity may predispose an elderly person to diabetes, coronary heart disease, gout and other degenerative disorders.
  7. Small meals at frequent intervals should be consumed. Fats, oils, refined cereals and sweets should be consumed by the elderly. Dietary fat, if poorly tolerated may be reduced.
  8. Elderly need more calcium, iron, zinc, antioxidant nutrients (ß carotene, vitamin E and C) to prevent age-related diseases. Inadequate diets of the elderly may need to be supplemented with pharmaceutical nutritional supplements.
  9. The likes, dislikes and food preferences of the elderly should be considered while meal planning.
  10. Among elderly who suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertensions or heart disease, further dietary modifications may be required.
  11. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking should be avoided.

Related Discussions:- Define dietary modifications in the diet of the elderly

Respiration, difference between the respiration occurs in lower and higher ...

difference between the respiration occurs in lower and higher organisms

Migration - population dispersal, Migration - Population Dispersal Dis...

Migration - Population Dispersal Dispersal is affected by the presence or absence of the barrier and vagility which means inherent power of movement also called dispersal powe

Microorganisms on basis of oxygen requirement for growth, Q. Microorganisms...

Q. Microorganisms on basis of oxygen requirement for growth? On basis of oxygen requirement for growth: - Obligate Aerobes: Require oxygen for growth and multiplication e.g

What is the secondary structure of a protein, What is the secondary structu...

What is the secondary structure of a protein? The secondary protein structure is formed by the manner its amino acids interact by the intermolecular bond. These interactions ma

What is dinoflagellates, What is Dinoflagellates ? Dinoflagellata or...

What is Dinoflagellates ? Dinoflagellata or dinoflagellates , are characteristically unicellular photosynthetic organisms that usually have two flagellae. One flagellum typi

Define glycogenolysis, Define Glycogenolysis Glycogenolysis : degrad...

Define Glycogenolysis Glycogenolysis : degradation of glycogen.

Phylogenetic species concept, Q. Phylogenetic species concept ? Taxonom...

Q. Phylogenetic species concept ? Taxonomists (scientists who compare, classify and name organisms) tend to describe a species by studying their physical characteristics and be

What are possible treatments available, What are possible treatments availa...

What are possible treatments available for a herniated disc injury?

Expression of variability, In the preceding section we emphasised the fact ...

In the preceding section we emphasised the fact that cvolution or the continuous adaptations to the environment can take place only when pheiiotypes exhibit variability. In the abs

Reproduction, Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd