Many of the diseases or illnesses that elderly people suffer from can be the result of a poor diet. Good nutrition and regular physical activity play a very important role in a number of age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, it can even help to protect dental and bone health.
Both malnutrition and obesity are common situations among the elderly as energy requirements decrease with advancing age. This is due to changes in body composition; a decrease in lean body tissue (muscle) and an increase in fat tissue. Therefore, as we get older our bodies have different needs, so certain nutrients become especially important for good health. Poor nutrition can contribute to a number of health problems including:
• constipation and other digestive disorders
• anaemia
• diabetes mellitus
• muscle and bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteomalacia and osteoarthritis
• overweight
• coronary heart disease and stroke.
Poor diet can also contribute to other health problems such as declining mental health, changes to the nervous system and the immune system, cataracts and some cancers.
A person can be said to be suffering from malnutrition if their diet does not contain the minimum quantities of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and all other important nutrients. Malnutrition does not necessarily mean eating too little food. A person can be eating large quantities of food but still be malnourished if their diet is not balanced.
The term “undernutrition” is now commonly used.
Undernutrition more specifically refers to a lack of food and a subsequent lack of essential nutrients. It is most commonly seen in very impoverished diets and starvation.
Whilst the UK is still under lockdown restrictions caused by the global spread of COVID-19, elderly people are at the biggest risk. Having to avoid places where it would be possible to come into contact with other people, like supermarkets and small shops, means that they may not be able to source regular and varied food. Even those that are able to visit supermarkets or have somebody else to do their shopping for them, there are still many food products unavailable on the shelves, and this could lead to less healthy or balanced choices and could lead to poor nutrition. In addition to this, trying to shop less regularly can result in needing to buy more at one time, which is much harder to transport the shopping home.
Thankfully, shops like Morrisons and M&S have released Food Boxes filled with essentials, which include dietary must-haves like pasta, pulses and sauces or boxes packed full of fruit and vegetables. This is a great option for elderly people as they wouldn’t need to go out and shops can arrange delivery directly to their door and still have a proper nutrition.
Find out more about how to arrange for M&S Food Essentials Deliveries for those that you are worried may be at risk of malnutrition.
For more tips on how to stay healthy during the coronavirus lockdown see our blogs on Staying Hydrated During the COVID-19 Lockdown and The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Elderly People .
