The Importance of Good Nutrition in Chronic Geriatric Illness Management

For the ageing population, adequate nutrition is a key factor in maintaining good health. In order to enjoy their sunset years and decrease the onset of chronic diseases, consuming a balanced diet with proper nutritive elements plays an important role. Through this, older adults can enjoy vitality in everyday activities, boost performance and mood, and maintain functional independence throughout. Moreover, people aged 65 and above are more vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and problems than other ages.

Prevention might not be as realistic as you expect when it comes to chronic geriatric illnesses. Controlling symptoms and minimizing medication use may not produce the same results for everyone. However, eating healthy is one way to obtain results in geriatric illness management. Most of the older population today think of diets as a fad that the younger generation takes part in to achieve certain body goals. They are likelier to turn to medication and medical procedures before giving dietary changes a chance. Since diets are usually associated with giving up comfort food or everything tasty, people are more reluctant to see what carefully constructed diets can do for their chronic conditions. Through food as primary therapy, health professionals are trying to differentiate between restrictive diets and meal plans or eating habits in the geriatric population,

Focusing on Healthy Eating

Healthy eating looks different as you age. There is no need to emphasize that healthy meal plans for toddlers look vastly different from that of teens, and thus, you need to incorporate changes in your eating habits to accommodate your ageing body’s needs. By modifying the quantity, you consume and the food groups you take in, you can easily create a simple yet healthy way of eating.

For starters, foods that give you more nutrients without burdening your body with excess calories need to take up more space on your plate. This can include fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal, seafood, lean meats, nuts, and seeds. You need to ensure that geriatric individuals do not indulge in whole milk. Instead, opt for low-fat or plant-based variations. Canned goods, alcohol, soda, and chips are not advised for daily consumption. You also need to stay away from saturated and trans fats.

Hydration never loses its importance as you age. With age, people tend to lose the sensation of thirst, and as a result, they get dehydrated easily. Certain medications for chronic conditions also make you feel dehydrated as a side effect, so drinking plenty of fluids is essential. In addition, staying active is equally important. While elderly folk may not be able to engage in rigorous exercises, including movement in your day is crucial. Especially if you have been losing your appetite, physical exercise can help stimulate it.

Eating Healthy as You Age

Watching Heart Health

The incidence of heart disease increases as you hit 65. Keeping this in mind, designing meal plans that reduce the risks of developing or exacerbating a heart condition shows positive results. Fruits, vegetables, trans-fat-free products, and whole grains form the foundation of a heart-healthy diet. Dietary fats need to be watched when there is an existing heart concern. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats do not cause as much harm as the saturated kind does.

Produce for Combating Cancer

Increasing longevity of life means an increased risk of developing cancer. After hitting the 60s, the easiest way to reduce the risk of developing cancer is through a diet with lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. A significant portion of the older population, both male and female, do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. For someone who already has cancer, fruits and vegetables are integral in maintaining nutrient intake and preventing weight loss. No matter how far the condition has progressed, losing weight and muscle mass can weigh heavily on the quality of life.

The Role of Supplements

Older people obtain some form of satisfaction from consuming supplements. While taking a generic multivitamin is beneficial, you must pay attention to the supplements you are taking if you have certain chronic conditions. The levels of minerals in your body will fluctuate drastically while taking supplements, and it can cause serious harm to your organ systems if done without a medical prescription.

Final Thoughts

Managing chronic geriatric conditions becomes easy by consuming a wide variety of food. Apart from disease management, it also improves the quality of life that the ageing population leads.