Older Australians
As people grow older, it is important that their nutritional needs are met by the foods they eat. Good nutrition is a key factor in maintaining a healthy body weight and can also reduce or minimise the risk and burden of certain illnesses.
The ability to meet nutritional needs can become increasingly difficult as we age. Some common factors that affect food intake in older Australian's include:
- Altered taste and smell
- Dentures or dry mouth
- Chronic illness
- Living and eating alone
- Poor mobility and inability to shop for food
- Side effects of medications
Below are some great ideas to help older Australians living in the community achieve a well-balanced diet:
- Aim to eat at least 3 meals a day
- Eat a variety of foods as outlined by the Australian Dietary Guidelines
- Drink adequate amounts of fluids
- If you drink alcohol, limit your intake
- Ensure you have enough calcium-containing foods in your diet
- Choose foods low in salt
Sharing meals with family and friends can help make eating more enjoyable. Eating smaller but more frequent meals during the day, rather than trying to eat three larger meals, may also help to increase food intake. If dentures are impacting on food intake, choose soft and easily chewed foods such as minced meats with additional gravies, bread without crusts and pureed fruit and custards.
Some nutritional concerns that may benefit from professional advice include:
- Dehydration - drink plenty of water and other fluids
- Constipation
- Weight loss and/or poor food intake
- Anaemia
- Osteoporosis
- Vitamin D deficiency - Try to spend some time outside each day as sunshine helps the body to make vitamin D, which has a role in keeping bones strong. A doctor may be able to prescribe a vitamin D supplement if necessary.
For expert nutrition and dietary advice on how older Australians can best meet their nutritional needs, contact an Accredited Practising Dietitian.
