clinical focus
Menu for
longer life
Nutritional needs change
as people get older,
putting more emphasis on
dairy, fibre and fluids.
By Amber Beaumont
M @DAA_feed
G
ood nutrition is paramount throughout life; however,
needs change with each life stage. As we age, different
nutrients become more important to support what’s
happening physically and to maintain health, independence and
quality of life.
People over 70 usually need fewer kilojoules because they’re
less active. They need more calcium and protein to maintain
bone and muscle strength and need to focus more on their fluid
and fibre intake as things start to slow down. To achieve this, the
Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) recommend older adults
continue to eat widely from all food groups to ensure they get all
required nutrients.
This sounds good in theory but certain challenges come with
ageing that can make achieving these recommendations difficult.
Physical abilities can change – including chewing and
swallowing difficulties, taste changes, dexterity challenges –
making it harder to prepare meals and open food packages.
Living and social situations can also change; partners or friends
may not be around anymore to share a meal, finances may
tighten, resulting in less money for groceries. Ageing might also
mean moving to a care facility or in with family who prepare
the food. All these factors can influence someone’s intake and
ultimately their health.
As carers or health professionals, how can we support older
adults in achieving dietary recommendations to optimise health
and wellbeing?
A good place to start is understanding more about the
ADG, especially given only 37 per cent of GPs are aware of the
guidelines – not much higher than the rest of the population at
22.5 per cent.
The ADGs provide evidence-based information about the
amount and kinds of foods required for good health. The table [on
the facing page] specifically outlines recommendations for men
and women over 70 years of age.
We know people over 65 years often have better health if they
carry a little extra weight and have a slightly higher body mass
index. Sometimes, too, people with chronic health problems can
put themselves at risk of malnutrition by restricting what they
eat. It’s therefore important that the focus of nutrition advice for
older adults is less on limiting fats, added salt and added sugars
and more on eating and enjoying a variety of foods each day. For
more personalised nutrition advice relevant to someone’s specific
needs, refer them to an accredited practising dietitian (APD).
26 agedcareinsite.com.au