By: Setsuko Kamotani, MS, RD, 2009 IFIC Foundation Sylvia Rowe Fellow Date: 12/15/09
At what age would you consider yourself as “old?” 65? 75? 85? The old adages, “you’re only as young as you feel” and “age is only a state of mind” certainly seem to apply today as many more people are enjoy living longer and healthier lives. Today, older adults are a diverse population and not just in terms of age but also in their health status (physical, mental and social) and lifestyle (living situations, economic circumstances, etc.).
Recently, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) held a workshop, “How to Provide Safe and Healthy Foods for the Aging Population” that brought together leading experts in food safety and nutrition. Here are a few things those of us in the audience learned:
• Older adults have lower total energy needs but at the same time, may require higher levels of certain nutrients. So, this means meals should focus around nutrient-dense (packed with vitamins and minerals per calorie of food) food choices like fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, low fat dairy, nuts, and fish. Tufts University has even created a Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults that adds additional recommendations for water intake and for calcium, vitamins B12 and D.
• As we get older, our immune systems change. Older adults have a higher risk of getting foodborne illnesses AND are at a greater risk of suffering more severe reactions. Older adults slowly lose their “gate-keeper” functions like the ability to taste or smell whether foods are spoiled. Therefore, while it’s always important to follow safe and proper food safety practices when preparing, handling and storing foods it is especially crucial in the older population. The next time you visit your grandparent’s or an older neighbor’s house, make sure to check their refrigerator and cabinets for any expired food. If you find any, throw it out! For more information on safe food handling, visit the Fight Bac! website.
• Health: a holistic approach. When people are asked what is most important to them as they aged, mental acuity tops the list. Others included: physical vitality, leaving a legacy, financial security and having a sense of community. The idea of “social health” and spiritual wellness play an important role in how we evaluate and perceive our own health status. Oftentimes, despite having more than one chronic health condition, older adults will still report feeling healthy if they have an active social network.
Maintaining an overall healthy diet and lifestyle throughout all stages of our lives allow us to focus and enjoy the things that matter most to us. For more information on community-based services and programs in your area for older adults and caregivers, visit the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging website.
On average, most people say 68 years old is when they start to view themselves as old. Do you agree?