Consuming four food groups in the elderly in sufficient and balanced quantities every day extends life.
Elderly individuals every day; milk and dairy products, red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried legumes, oil seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits and bread – should consume nutrients in cereal groups.
Experts emphasize that the energy requirement in the elderly is lower than in the adult period due to decreased physical activity, while stressing that nutrition is very important for the prevention of many diseases during this period.
Obesity or weakness, loss of muscle tissue, chronic diseases due to nutrition, osteoporosis and bone fractures, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common nutritional and health problems in the elderly, the experts said:
It is important to ensure adequate and balanced nutrition in old age, to take the nutrients needed into the body, to prevent the formation of chronic diseases related to nutrition, to protect, improve and improve health and to improve the quality of life.
Many factors such as physical, disease status, psychological and social changes seen with aging, decreased taste and smell, tooth loss, loss of appetite, digestion of nutrients and decreased absorption of nutrients can negatively affect nutrition.
Protein is very important in the elderly
In the elderly, 12-15% of daily energy should come from protein, 0.8-1.0 grams of protein should be taken per kilogram body weight, and protein should be provided from good quality sources (chicken, red meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products). Dietary fat intake should be 25-30% of energy and carbohydrate intake should be 55-60% of energy.
It is of great importance that older individuals consume sufficient and balanced amounts from four food groups every day. Four food groups; It constitutes chicken, red meat, fish, milk and dairy products, eggs, dried legumes, oil seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits, bread and cereals (whole grain, bulgur, rice, pasta, etc.).
Chicken meat is important in meeting the increasing need for protein in the elderly. Especially when consumed by separating the skin, the content of saturated fat is low compared to red meat and it is a healthy choice in individuals with chronic diseases. Chicken meat is a good source of certain vitamins and minerals (iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B1, B6, B12, niacin).
Vitamin B12 in the elderly is very important in terms of cognitive functions (prevention of forgetfulness), prevention of anemia. It is a good source for iron and zinc and helps prevent the inadequacy of these minerals. Easy to digest, consuming protein source chicken meat at least 2-3 times a week is a good option for healthy eating in the elderly.