Geriatric Nutrition: A Bird Eye View
Journal Title: Indian Journal of Nutrition - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
India’s older population will increase dramatically over the next four decades. The share of India’s population ages 60 and older is projected to climb from 8% in 2010 to 19% in 2050, according to the United Nations Population Division (UN 2011). Almost one-half (47%) of older Indians have at least one chronic disease such as asthma, angina, arthritis, depression or diabetes [1]. Rising numbers of older people will put new and increasing demands on the health care system. In India, there is dearth of comprehensive information on the nutritional status of elderly. There is, therefore, a need to develop database on the diet and nutritional status of the elderly from different parts of the country to enable the Government and NGOs to formulate policies and initiate strategies, which would contribute to the wellbeing of elderly population. The last study report is been during 1996-97 from NNMB which was the first large database on diet and nutritional status of the elderly in India. A 2012 study at Allahabad concludes from the study that as the age advances there is corresponding decline in the nutritional status. Mean nutrient intake of malnourished elderly is less than the RDA and that of the well-nourished elderly. Per capita income and self-view of educational status are strongly associated factors contributing to the nutritional status of elderly. Out of the total of 360 elderly persons, 15% were found to be malnourished and 55% were at risk of malnutrition. There is thus an urgent need to review current recommended daily nutrient allowances for this group. Awareness, education and training are the need of the hour with some precautions. Therefore, the elderly need nutrient-rich foods rich in calcium, micronutrients and fiber. Apart from cereals and pulses, they need daily at least 200-300ml of milk and milk products and 400g of vegetables and fruits to provide fiber, micro-nutrients and antioxidants. Inclusion of these items in the diet improves the quality of the diet and bowel function. Flesh foods and eggs add to the quality of diet. The present focus is on the phytochemicals of nutraceutical importance for the geriatric population. Apart from the isolated extracts of plant chemicals as nutrition, a wide range of botanical ingredients are used as geriatric supplement to maintain healthy lifestyle.
Authors and Affiliations
Pallavi Kiradi
Keywords
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