Elders should Make an Effort

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DIET & NUTRITION OF SENIOR CITIZENS

Elders should first of all make an effort to understand the socio-economic conditions, careers and family of their children. They should try to adjust and not interfere in the day to day affairs and problems of their children's family. Unless asked, they should patiently refrain from giving advice. They should not compare the attitude of the youngsters of today with their own attitude when they were young.

They could try to assist in the day to day affairs of the family, like taking the grandchildren to school, doing the bank work or paying the bills. Interaction with the grandchildren most often refreshes the minds of the elders and infact delays the ageing process. Though some people prefer to be left alone, solitude is one of the main problems for elders.

What is the general advice to reduce weight?

Intake of food should be reduced according to the advice of the nutritionist, dietician or doctor. But in general about 1000 calories per day is sufficient for the elderly. Regular physical exercise will help in keeping fit. More of fibre-rich foods should be eaten. Intake of fat and sugar should be cut down. One should take plenty of liquids. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good, keeping in mind that in certain cases such as diabetes, one cannot have fruits rich in sugar. Consumption of alcohol should be cut down.

What are the food items to avoid?

	Starchy root vegetables such as potato, yam, tapioca, etc.
	Nuts and oil seeds such as groundnuts, cashewnuts, coconut, pista, almond etc.
	Meat products such as mutton, liver, brain, crabs, prawns and egg-yolk.
	Milk and milk products such as whole milk, cream, cheese, curds made from whole milk lassi, milk sweets, ice-creams, etc.
	Sweets, soft drinks (cool drinks), custard, pudding, chocolates and rich cakes
	All types of fried foods.
	Preserved fruits and dry fruits.
	Alcohol.

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