SHOULD YOU ONLY DRINK WATER WHEN THIRSTY ? ARE SUPPLEMENTS SUFFICIENT ? IS MALNUTRITION A NORMAL PART OF THE AGEING PROCESS ?
SHOULD YOU ONLY DRINK WATER WHEN THIRSTY ? ARE SUPPLEMENTS SUFFICIENT ? IS MALNUTRITION A NORMAL PART OF THE AGEING PROCESS ?
meals made up of vegetables and protein , regularly throughout the day , even if you don ’ t always feel like it .
MYTH 4 You should follow a low-fat diet
Fat is an important source of calories and some seniors might need to eat a bit extra to maintain weight . Fats found in foods such as olive oil , nuts , seeds , avocado , and oily fish are ideal .
MYTH 5 Only drink water when you ’ re thirsty
If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated and that ’ s a problem as neither your body nor brain can work at peak capacity . Dehydration can bring on confusion and delirium , hampers kidney function and worsens a multitude of other conditions .
MYTH 6 Supplements are sufficient
Most supplements promoted to help you live longer , boost memory and fight off dementia fail to live up to their claim . What ’ s more , many interact with common medications or just don ’ t work the way they would if you consumed them from food instead . You could spend a lot of money for no gain when you could do better by simply eating .
MYTH 7 You must always eat a ‘ proper meal ’
Eating three full meals a day can be a struggle if you have a loss of appetite or find cooking too difficult . Five or six small meals or well-chosen snacks can be just as beneficial .
MYTH 8 Malnutrition is a normal part of the ageing process
Malnutrition is not normal and it ’ s important that you don ’ t dismiss the warning signs as being part of ‘ old age ’.
AUTUMN 2018 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 15