Healthy eating is just as important for older adults as it is for everyone, and eating should be an enjoyable and sociable activity that we can look forward to, while still being a healthy one. Unfortunately, a number of older Australians have poor diets – often from not eating a variety of nutritious foods. When we don’t give our bodies the nutrients they need, our health can suffer.
Poor diet responsible for 1 in 5 deaths
According to the Global Burden of Disease study, a poor diet may be responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world. Annually:
* Tobacco is associated with 8M deaths
* High blood pressure is linked to 10.4M deaths
* While unhealthy diets are responsible for 11M deaths
Watch this video to learn more here: Poor Diet Responsible For 1 in 5 Deaths
Nutrition needs when you are over 65
The best place to start for any person looking to develop a healthy diet is the Australian Dietary Guidelines. The guidelines were developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council, with input from many foods and nutrition experts, as well as members of the community. They are based on the best available science about the types and amounts of foods and dietary patterns that may promote health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of diet-related conditions and chronic disease. Find out more here: Nutrition Needs When You Are Over 65
Nutrition and older adults
As we get older, our lifestyles and appetite can change and this can affect the types and amounts of foods we eat. A decreasing appetite or reduced ability to buy and prepare healthy foods can mean that many older people don’t get enough essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, and this can contribute to general unwellness or exacerbate some chronic illness. Here are some suggestions that can help you to maintain healthy eating habits as you get older: Nutrition And Older Adults
Other helpful resources:
Healthy eating over 60
Top 10 myths regarding nutrition for seniors
Add Comment