Diet & Nutrition

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DIET & NUTRITION OF SENIOR CITIZENS
Nutritious food is one that contains all the essential nutrients - proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. A well balanced diet should contain all these in correct proportions and adequate amounts. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates provide the energy required for various activities. Vitamins and minerals do not supply energy but play an important role in the regulation of several essential metabolic processes in the body.
The quality, not the quantity matters. The requirements of essential nutrients varies with age, sex, level of physical activity and the height & weight of the individual. Even a sparse diet can be nutritious. For example 100 gms of wheat contains nearly 12 gms of protein, while the same quantity of rice has only 6.4 gms of protein. Similarly 100 gms of Ragi contains 344 mg of Calcium, while the same quantity of Rice has only 9 mg of Calcium. By Seeing More Info on other pages in this site regarding the values of nutrients contained in different foods and a sample Ideal Diet, elders can plan their diet so that it is nutritious, easily available and digestible.
The energy requirements of a person decrease with increase in age. This is because of a lowered basal metobolic rate and lessened physical activity. There is an 8% reduction per decade from 55-75 yrs. Proteins provide the essential Amino acids and the amouint of Protein in the diet is an important measure of the adequacy and quality of the diet. The recommended allowance is one gm. per kg. body weight. In the elderly, upto 12 -14% of the total calories should be from proteins. But, due to decreased appetite and poor digestion, the elderly tend to consume less protein. Also, living alone means eating more carbohydrates which are easier to cook and less expensive.
Fat is a concentrated source of energy. It adds palatability to food. The diet should contain 30 - 40 gms. of fat and half of it should be in the form of vegetable oil, rich in essential fatty acids. A diet with high content of saturated fatty acids (Ghee, Butter, Coconut oil, unrefined oils) tends to increase the level of cholesterol in the blood.
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