The older we get, the more crucial it is to maintain optimal health. In order to reach this goal of longevity in comfort, nutrition and diet should be the focus of every ageing individual. This is because the elderly tend to face more unique health challenges that can be offset or avoided with a well-balanced diet.
This article will explore just exactly how nutrition and diet promote health and longevity among the elderly population in aged care facilities. This includes just what kind of nutrients the elderly require, how they obtain it, and its impact on their health.
Understanding Nutritional Needs in Ageing
Before we can delve into how exactly aged care facilities ensure the health of their residents, we first need to understand the differing nutritional needs of the ageing. With each year that passes, we experience various physiological changes that can impact the nutritional needs and dietary requirements of our bodies. Some of the more common and noticeable changes include:
- Decreased metabolism
- Changes in perceptions of smell and taste
- Reduced appetite
- Altered body composition and capabilities
On top of this, older adults tend to be more susceptible to key health conditions. The warming world has been shown to impact the elderly and the young the most, so taking care of personal health is more crucial than ever. Particularly since these health conditions vary in seriousness and their impact on a person’s longevity, but they tend to be:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Cognitive changes and decline
- Diabetes
These examples are all ones that can be affected by a person’s diet. Thus, it is critical for aged care facilities to tailor their nutritional plans to meet the specific needs of each resident. Said plans should factor in the usual areas of dietary preference, age, or gender, but facilities must also consider cultural restrictions or medical history.
Ultimately, however, all diets should be well-balanced and rich in essential nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants should all be incorporated to help support overall health and well-being in aged care settings.
Promoting Optimal Nutrition in Aged Care Facilities
So, how do aged care facilities promote these optimal nutritional plans to their residents? The most obvious example is through proper food safety, as well as preparing overall healthy and nutritious meals that anyone can enjoy. However, they must also take the time to tailor each meal to the respective resident and their needs. This means knowing their dietary needs and preferences, as well as any cultural or medical considerations that may modify the meal.
To help in these efforts, most aged care facilities employ nutritionists and/or dietitians to work alongside residents and their carers to create a personalised nutritional plan. These professionals’ roles extend to key strategies such as:
- Regularly assessing residents’ current nutritional status
- Educating residents on healthy eating habits
- Monitoring dietary intake for all residents
- Extensive meal prep
- Encouraging residents to try the HEHP diet and other ageing-focused diets
Through these efforts, dieticians or nutritionists can ensure residents are receiving all of the nutrients they need to live long and well. The aged care facilities themselves may also have various dining options and meal choices to accommodate their residents’ diverse dietary needs and tastes. This may mean specific diets for those with similar health conditions, or a culturally diverse menu for those of differing backgrounds.
The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Longevity
Nutrition always plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of an individual, but the importance of its role becomes more evident when looking into the ageing population. With the higher risk of developing medical conditions and the changes to physiology, elderly individuals need all of the nutritional support they can get.
Support is best provided through a balanced diet rich in key nutrients. Elderly diets should always feature the core food groups of fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. When these foods are regularly eaten, senior citizens can experience a rich life wherein they face a lower risk of chronic diseases developing. The diet also helps to maintain muscle mass and bone density, support cognitive function, and enhance immune function.
For example, when a senior citizen ensures they have an adequate daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, their chances of developing osteoporosis or bone fractures are significantly lowered. Similarly, regular omega-3 fatty acid intake found in fish can shore the body up against heart or cognitive function issues. Finally, the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can help protect against age-related diseases and oxidative stress.
Even the immune system benefits from improved nutritional intake, a crucial part of a person’s health as they age. With regular intake of nutrients such as vitamin C/E, zinc, or selenium, the immune system can be boosted to fight against the risk of infections and illnesses in aged care settings.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no understating the importance of nutrition in promoting both health and longevity in aged care. Through balanced diets, careful care, and educating residents, aged care facilities build the foundation of elderly well-being. When nutrition and diet is prioritised in aged care settings, we can help ensure that older adults enjoy a higher quality of life and maintain their independence for as long as possible.
