Malnutrition in the elderly
Older people need less energy dense foods than younger adults, but as many or more nutrients such as vitamin D and protein. This means that older people are more nutrient rich food to eat and less 'empty calories'. This is not simple: the appetite of the elderly often decreases, and the intake of food is often not sufficient to meet the daily need.
If older people get in too little energy and nutrients may lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. Malnutrition has serious health consequences due to loss of muscle mass and decreased immunity. It also reduces the quality of life and increases the risk of mortality. (Http://www.wur.nl/nl/artikel/Ondervoeding_bij_ouderen.htm)
As one ages, it becomes difficult to consume enough protein to prevent protein malnutrition. It is therefore necessary to find solutions that help older people achieve their optimal protein intake. This thesis describes our efforts to increase protein intake of older people through the use of protein-enriched meals.
By asking both professionals and the elderly to the terms of such meals, we tried to stay close to the needs of the elderly at risk of malnutrition. With this knowledge we developed protein-enriched meals. These meals were found to be well appreciated and actually led to higher protein intake. These promising findings indicate that we fit with the wishes and needs of the elderly. However, we point out three conditions for a proper approach to malnutrition: provide awareness among older people and professionals, create tasks associated with monitoring clearly better cooperation between professionals and give practical protein fortified products at risk.
http://www.wur.nl/nl/activiteit/Aanpak-van-ondervoeding-en-eiwitverrijkte-maaltijden-voor-ouderen.htm
If older people get in too little energy and nutrients may lead to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. Malnutrition has serious health consequences due to loss of muscle mass and decreased immunity. It also reduces the quality of life and increases the risk of mortality. (Http://www.wur.nl/nl/artikel/Ondervoeding_bij_ouderen.htm)
As one ages, it becomes difficult to consume enough protein to prevent protein malnutrition. It is therefore necessary to find solutions that help older people achieve their optimal protein intake. This thesis describes our efforts to increase protein intake of older people through the use of protein-enriched meals.
By asking both professionals and the elderly to the terms of such meals, we tried to stay close to the needs of the elderly at risk of malnutrition. With this knowledge we developed protein-enriched meals. These meals were found to be well appreciated and actually led to higher protein intake. These promising findings indicate that we fit with the wishes and needs of the elderly. However, we point out three conditions for a proper approach to malnutrition: provide awareness among older people and professionals, create tasks associated with monitoring clearly better cooperation between professionals and give practical protein fortified products at risk.
http://www.wur.nl/nl/activiteit/Aanpak-van-ondervoeding-en-eiwitverrijkte-maaltijden-voor-ouderen.htm
Need help?
We're there for you through info@vital-cell-life.com..
