clinical focus
KEY AREAS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Optimising dairy food intake: Dairy intake recommendations
jump for women at 50 and men at 70. Dairy foods, including
milk, cheese and yoghurt, provide readily absorbable calcium for
maintaining bone strength and high-quality protein for optimising
muscle mass – both essential for healthy ageing. Luckily, these
foods are also tasty, easy to eat and access, and include options to
suit all budgets, such as long-life milk and powder.
Incorporating fibre: High-fibre foods help prevent constipation.
Wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, fruit, dried fruit, dried peas,
beans and lentils are excellent sources of fibre.
Ensuring adequate fluids: Fibre and fluids work together to
help alleviate constipation. Fluids include fresh water and all other
liquids, such as milk, coffee, tea, soup and juice. Milk and water are
the best choices for hydrating. Aim to drink at least six times a day
and more in warmer weather when active.
TOP FIVE TIPS TO HELP SENIORS FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES
• Encourage small, frequent meals to promote adequate nutrition
as appetites reduce
• Offer nutrient-dense, not just energy-dense, meals and snacks;
for example, swap cakes and chips for cheese and biscuits
• Don’t focus on the bad stuff they’re eating, praise them for the
good stuff and get them eating more of it
• Make food presentable and appetising
• Create a pleasant environment for eating.
Beyond nutrition, food has an important role in bringing
enjoyment and social connection to many older people’s lives
and we all deserve a piece of that pie. ■
FURTHER INFORMATION
Learn more about the ADGs for older adults at: goo.gl/w4Ay8C
For further information on all of the five food groups and a suite
of health professional tools, patient resources and healthy recipe
ideas, go to: foodsthatdogood.com.au
For more on maintaining healthy eating habits with age, go to:
nutritionaustralia.org/national/resource/nutrition-and-older-adults
Amber Beaumont is an accredited practising dietitian working at
Dairy Australia. She has more than 10 years of experience working
in areas including public health, food industry, and community
and clinical nutrition. She is also a member of the Dietitians
Association of Australia.
To find an APD in your area, visit the ‘find an APD’ section of the
DAA website at daa.asn.au or call 1800 812 942.
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