05/16/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
As a person advances in life, eating a variety of foods instead of restricting diets could be beneficial to their health. In a study, experts suggested that the elderly should follow a diet that is widely varied in order to boost the quality of their lives.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the U.S., came up with the recommendation as part of a position paper published in The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) should evaluate each individual and assess the risks vs the benefits of a restrictive diet,” wrote first author Becky Corner, a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a leading expert in elderly nutrition.
The experts also suggested that even if there are established dietary guidelines for certain medical conditions, restrictions should be loosened if a patient’s oral intake is poor. In addition, care providers should evaluate the exchange between the consequences of malnutrition and unintended weight loss against certain disease-related health risks. Moreover, they advised that patients should also be involved in food choices.
“When considering a therapeutic diet prescription, the health care practitioner should ask: Is a restrictive therapeutic diet necessary? Will it offer enough benefits to justify its use?”
For most older adults in long-term care, the risks of less restrictive diets are outweighed by the benefits. Recommending the least restrictive diet will not only boost nutritional status but also improve the quality of life of patients, especially for the elderly in post-acute care settings. Nutrition interventions should be tailored to a patient’s medication as well as preferred health care choices. (Related: Another reason to go Mediterranean: Research shows the diet helps protect older adults from becoming frail, prolonging health and independence.)
Older adults may find restrictive diets unappetizing, which in turn leads to reduced pleasure in eating, decreased food intake, unintended weight loss, and malnutrition. On the contrary, more varied diets are linked to increased food and beverage intake. Food consumption should be maximized in order to prevent malnutrition and unintended weight loss, as these can result in additional health problems. Malnutrition and decreased appetite are also recognized as indicators of morbidity and mortality.
Malnutrition can lead to loss of strength and function, greater risks of falls, depression, lethargy, immune dysfunction, increased risk of infection, slowed down recovery, pressure injuries, poor wound healing, increased chances of hospital admission and readmission, increased treatment costs, and increased mortality.
A loss of appetite in older people can be dangerous for their health. Although reduced appetite and changes in appetite are natural parts of aging, it is still important to make sure the right amount of nutrients are consumed. There are a few things you can do to help your elderly loved ones get enough nutrients from the food they eat.
Read more news stories and studies about aging gracefully by going to Longevity.news.
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