The Common Needs of Elderly

THE COMMON NEEDS OF ELDERLY

Nutrition

As we age, our bodies and lives change, and we need around 20% less calories at age 80 than we do at age 30. A reduced metabolic rate and a more sedentary lifestyle are thought to be responsible for around two thirds of the drop. Adults who eat a nutritious diet, however, do not need nutritional supplements. As we get older, it may be increasingly possible that we lack important vitamins and minerals. This is caused by a weakened sense of taste and smell, chewing issues, a restricted diet, appetite loss, and medications that might prevent the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Dehydration is a serious problem for the elderly since they frequently fail to recognize their thirst. Staying healthy and active as you age is crucial.

• Energy
  The need for energy decreases with age due to decreased activity, a slower metabolism, and other factors. After age 51, men need an average of 600 kcal per day, while women need an average of 300 kcal per day.
• Protein
  Healthy old individuals have 60–70% less body protein than a young adult, which may point to a decreased need for dietary protein. Age-related changes in protein needs are correlated with illness duration and severity. Events that are physically and psychologically stressful can result in a negative nitrogen balance. Women's protein needs begin to slightly outnumber men's beyond the age of 50. Protein-rich foods include milk, dairy items, eggs, and lentils.
• Fat
  By consuming foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fat, you can lower your chance of developing heart disease. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should make up the majority of your diet. It is recommended to limit dietary fat to no more than 30% of total calories in order to prevent cancer and other disorders.
• Carbohydrate
  |Due to a decreased glucose tolerance, the elderly were more susceptible to transitory hypo- or hyperglycemia.
• Water and fiber
  Just like a younger person, an older person requires 6 to 8 glasses of drink every day. The kidney functions better when there is adequate fluid present. Peristalsis is encouraged by drinking water, which relieves constipation. The person should drink as much as they can in the morning if nocturia is a problem. Consume more foods that are high in fiber to stay regular. Fiber also lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
• Vitamin D
  Vitamin D must be present in order for calcium to be absorbed. important to preserve excellent bone health. People who live in institutions or are housebound may be at risk of shortage because sunlight's effect on the skin is the main source of vitamin "D." It is recommended that everyone over 65 take a daily dosage of 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Fish, eggs, and other seafood are excellent food sources of vitamin D..
• Calcium
  The health of the bones, muscles, and nerves is maintained by calcium. Women are particularly concerned about osteoporosis because it thins the bone and increases the risk of fracture. Women of all ages could find it challenging to get enough calcium from food alone. Men can also have osteoporosis, particularly if they take certain medications like prednisone for a long time. An adequate calcium intake can help show age-related bone loss. Although our needs for calcium do not change as we age. A 700 milligram daily calcium intake is suggested for people over 50.
• Vitamin C
  The body needs vitamin "C" for a number of processes, such as healthy tissue development and maintenance, effective wound healing, and antioxidant effects. The need for vitamin "C" is the same for older adults as it is for younger adults. Cancer, cataracts, and other heart disorders can be avoided with proper vitamin C and antioxidant food intake, such as vitamin A.
• Folate and vitamin B12
  Folate and vitamin B12 work together to promote healthy neuron and cell division, among other functions. A increased risk of dementia, cancer, and heart disease has been associated with insufficient consumption. If you consume animal products, getting enough of this vitamin is typically not an issue. People over 50 who do not take enough vitamin B12 or who absorb it inefficiently do not get enough of it from their diets. Folate, vitamin B12, and other "B" vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin requirements are either the same as in younger adults or significantly reduced. To avoid shortfalls, it is crucial to keep up a nutritious diet.
• Iron
  Iron is necessary for many body processes, including the production of red blood cells and the delivery of oxygen to tissue. Additionally, intestinal iron absorption in older individuals may be reduced, which when combined with inadequate dietary intake increases the risk of anemia (iron deficiency). Older women require far less iron than younger ones because their periods have frequently stopped. But a man over 50 is no different from a man younger than him.
• Potassium
  By increasing potassium and reducing salt, you may be able to lower your risk of developing high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and low-sodium foods are all excellent sources of potassium.

Sleep and Activities

• Sleep
  Along with the physical changes that occur as we age, changes in sleep habits are a normal part of becoming older. As opposed to when they were younger, people tend to have more difficulties falling asleep as they get older. There is a common belief that as people age, their demand for sleep decreases. According to research, as we age, our requirement for sleep does not vary. There are many different stages of sleep, and older people spend more time in lighter stages of sleep than in deep sleep, even though the overall amount of time spent sleeping tends to remain consistent. It is sufficient to sleep for 7-8 hours, but due to their early bedtimes, they will wake up very early.
• Physical activity
  One of the most important things you can do for your health as an older adult is to engage in regular physical activity. Many of the health problems that seem to come with aging can be prevented by it. Additionally, it promotes the growth of your muscles, allowing you to keep performing daily duties on your own. No of your age or state of health, staying immobile might be harmful to you. Keep in mind that any amount of exercise is preferable to none at all. Your health will benefit more from exercise the more you get. To stay fit and healthy, the older adult needs to do both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity twice a week.

Safety

Accidents that occur at home frequently result in severe injuries and a few times fatality. Accidents at home can result in severe injuries, especially for elderly people. Older bones are typically thinner, more brittle, and more prone to shattering. Even a minor slip and fall might cause a serious impairment that limits independence. As we age, our ability to see, touch, hear, and smell often declines. We are less physically capable, which makes it harder to bend, stretch, and lift. We take a while to decide what to do and how to react. These typical changes in perception, physical aptitude, and judgment make us more prone to accidents.

Psychological needs

The psychological health of seniors can be improved by encouraging active and healthy aging. The development of environments and living arrangements that increase wellbeing and let older people to lead active, healthy lives is a component of mental health-specific health promotion. Promoting mental health primarily rests on actions that ensure elders have the means to meet their basic needs, such as:

• Granting freedom and security;
• A supportive housing policy that provides enough housing;
• Social assistance for senior citizens and the people who care for them;
• Programs for health and social services aimed towards vulnerable populations, such as rural residents and people who live alone or who have a chronic or recurrent mental or physical ailment;
• Programs to address and prevent elder abuse;
• Programs for community development.