CANADA: Elderly adults have special nutritional needs

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WOODSTOCK, Ontario, Canada / Oxford Review / December 8, 2008:

By Heather Rivers, Staff Writer

When it comes to ideal nutrition in the older adults, tea and toast just isn't going to cut it anymore.

Janice Sloat, a registered dietician with Oxford County Public Health and Emergency Services, says tea and toast is no substitute for regular healthy meals.

Paying close attention to the older adult's special nutritional needs will not only keep them healthy, but could also prevent or delay diseases such as heart disease, some types of cancer, osteoporosis, obesity and high blood pressure, she said.

Older adult have special needs and require high quality nutrition with fewer calories than they are used to.

As adults age, they experience physical changes that emphasize the need for a nutrient rich diet, but thanks to reduced activity levels and a decreased metabolism, they have to make careful choices.

The Canada Food Guide recommends that males over 51 years of age consume seven servings of fruits and vegetables, seven servings of grain products, three servings of milk products and three serving of meat or meat alternatives.

Women should eat one less serving of grain products and meat, but otherwise the recommendations remain the same.

Sloat recommends focusing on a diet low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, minerals and natural plant chemicals known to benefit health to achieve the perfect balance.

Proper nutrition can also combat a gradual loss of bone mass that can lead to osteoporosis -- also known as the silent thief -- which puts older adults at risk for bone fractures.

Consuming proper amounts of Vitamin D and calcium is vital to protecting bones, Sloat said.

"Careful planning of meals and snacks will help get the recommended amounts and lower the risk of bone fractures," she said.

In addition to following the food guide and emphasizing natural sources of Vitamin D in their diet through milk products, elderly adults should also consume 400 IU of Vitamin D every day through supplementation.

Pharmacists recommend 600 IU, she said.

To alleviate a lack of Vitamin B12 in the system due to a decrease in stomach acid, special care should be taken.

Vitamin B12, along with folic acid, helps in the production of red and white blood cells.

"Older adults should be encouraged to eat more whole grains, dark green fruits and vegetables every day to meet their folic acid needs and reduce the risk of anemia," Sloat said.

Dietary sources of B12 include nonfat and low fat milk, eggs and lean meat.

On the advice of a doctor, a synthetic B12 from fortified food, supplements or injections may be needed.

Vitamin C intake should also be prioritized in the elderly as it is often found in low levels due to digestive problems or smoking, Sloat said.

Vitamin C can be found in vegetables, fruit legumes and whole grains.

Iron deficiency or anemia in the elderly can result in reduced appetite.

Sloat said the best way to avoid anemia without over consuming red meat is by eating iron-fortified food such as enriched cereals and pasta, as well as food rich in Vitamin C at every meal.

Avoiding coffee and tea for an hour after every meal can also help aid in iron digestion.

Seniors also may experience a sensation of decreased sense of thirst as they age, caused by a change in kidney function, which can puts them more at risk for dehydration.

Sloat recommends drinking at least six-and-a-half cups of water a day.

Staying active is also vital to remaining healthy as we age.

"Activity is really important," she said. "Activity may help improve your mood, get your digestive track moving and improve your energy."

Family members should keep a close watch on what their parents or relatives may be consuming to make sure their health doesn't suffer.

She recommends monitoring their nutritional intake, helping them with groceries, and even meal planning and inviting them over for meal occasionally.

"Certainly tea and toast is not the answer," Sloat said. "It's never too late to eat healthy."

Other important steps older adults can take include reducing salty foods, lowering alcohol intake and making a small gradual weight loss to fight high blood pressure.

Bananas, squashes, oranges, and low-fat milk can be consumed by older adults at every meal to combat low potassium that may be caused by the use of diuretic drugs for high blood pressure.

For more information through EatRight Ontario visit www.Ontario.ca/eatright.

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