Nutrition at 50: Unlocking the doors to staying strong
MANILA, Philippines — The days are changing and events are constantly surprising us. Long gone are the times when age defines what you can and must do. As the young ones take the lead, elders are also taking the world by storm as they continuously discover numerous possibilities ahead.
Today, the golden members of the society truly live by the saying “you are never too old to achieve big things.” After they have spent most of their lives creating a livable place for us, it’s our turn to give back.
Since 1991, October 1st has been recognized by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day of Older Persons. Like “Grandparents’ Day” in the US and Canada, the traditional Chinese “Double Ninth Festival,” and “Respect for the Aged Day” in Japan, it is a chance to recognize the significant growth of this population segment, the contribution that older persons make to society, and to bring awareness to age-related issues that require the attention of communities, governments and businesses.
According to the UN1,2, there are about 700 million seniors in the world, with Asia having the most number of elderly persons.
Nestlé Health Science believes in the importance of addressing age-related nutritional needs. Released
Nestlé Health Science believes that as the world grows old at an unprecedented rate, there has never been a more important time to address age-related nutritional health needs.
Today and every day, Nestlé Health Science promotes healthy aging to help keep the elders as productive members of society. Let us take a closer look at what our elders face, what they battle, and what we can do to make sure that they get the best things in life.
Why champion proper nutrition?
Many changes happen to the bodies of our loved ones as they age, urging us to steer our attention to their shifting needs. We might notice woes that come with age, such as food intake decline, gradually affecting their nutrition and overall health.
With dentition, dull taste buds and poor sense of smell, elders slowly lose their enjoyment of the texture of ingredients, and they also lose the ability to differentiate the tastes. Moreover, without proper support and full attention, they might not get the needed amount of protein, which is vital for maintaining muscles mass.
Beyond the age of 50, muscle mass decreases at an annual rate of one to two percent, while muscle strength declines by one to three percent. In the Philippines, inadequate protein intake is notable in older persons.
Malnutrition, weight loss and muscle weakness will strip them of their independence, and their will to pursue further dreams and ascertain their contributions to society, no matter how big or small.
With fear looming due to the aforementioned health hiccups, our elders might skip socializing. When we see them, they might not welcome us with the same bright smile we know and admire.
Nestlé Health Science promotes healthy aging so they get the best things in life. Released
The little details remind us that our parks and grocery aisles will not be filled with gray-striped gallant men and women who wholeheartedly share their experiences, hope, wisdom and inspiration.
How to boost older adults
The keys to healthy and happy aging are not all complicated. While the aging population is growing significantly, we must continue to remind seniors to get to their feet and perk up their lifestyle with these tips that might help them enjoy their advancing years:
1. Get moving
Exercise, especially for elders, should not be difficult. They can stroll around the neighborhood park. Inside the house, simply standing up and sitting down 30 times using a stable chair may count as a mini squat exercise.
However, consult a health professional first before starting any exercise program.
2. Go outdoors
Aside from the positive vibe brought about by nature, encouraging our elders to meet new people and talk to the members of the community will help them exercise their minds while combating boredom and unhealthy sedentary lifestyle.
3. Eat well
Eating a well-balanced diet, particularly fiber-rich and low-fat meals are as important. Start including vegetables, fruit, fish, nuts, whole grains and other cereals into the mixture of a healthy diet.
Learn more about how Nestlé Health Science nourishes health in aging adults: For Healthy Aging, go to https://www.nestlehealthscience.ph/health-management/ageing/healthy-aging. To prevent Elderly Malnutrition, visit https://www.nestlehealthscience.ph/health-management/ageing/malnutrition.
Boost™ Optimum is available in Mercury Drugstore and other leading drugstores and selected supermarkets.
SOURCES:
[1] United Nations Department of Economics & Social Affairs Population Division, “World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision”
[2] http://www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday
