Enjoyable eating in the elderly

A healthy diet provides the ingredients to build and repair bones and tissues, and keep the complex workings of the human body functioning optimally. It also provides the mental and physical energy necessary for daily life – work, recreation, relationships and time with family. It is clear that a healthy diet also protects us from infectious illnesses and chronic diseases so that we may age with a minimum of ill health, pain, and disability.

Food and nutrition during older age

Nutrition deserves special attention as people reach older age because good nutrition is essential for good health. Healthy ageing is associated with a number of physiological, cognitive, social and lifestyle changes that influence dietary intakes and nutritional status. Access to and consumption of healthy food for older people is influenced by the wider determinants of health. These determinants include cultural, social, historical and economic factors.

Why do I need to eat well to age well?

No matter when you start, healthy eating can help you maintain and even improve your health—especially if you combine it with being active.

Growing older means getting used to a body that’s different from the one you had when you were younger. It doesn’t mean that you will immediately have all sorts of health problems or diseases—bad health and poor quality of life is not automatic as soon as you become a senior. In fact, many people find it a time of great growth and happiness.

Together, eating well and regular physical activity can help you adjust to the natural aging process and can mean the difference between independence and a life spent relying on others.

They can give you the energy to do the things you need and want to do, such as taking care of your home, working or volunteering, playing with your grandchildren, or enjoying a walk with friends.

They can also prevent or slow the progress of many chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer. And it can help you cope better with both physical and mental stress, surgery and even the common cold or flu.

Eating and appreciating wholesome foods can be enjoyable. The purpose of this article is to give you reliable information about the foods you should try to eat more regularly and give you practical information to get them on your plate in an easy way.