New perspectives on nutritional counseling for the elderly
Kohrs, M.B.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 75(8): 363-365
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 6579979 Document Number: 700043
Aspects of nutritional counseling for the elderly are reviewed and discussed, covering: energy needs as related to ideal weight and physical activity; fat and cholesterol; dietary fiber; and other nutrients (protein, calcium, iron, folate, zinc, sodium, and vitamins B12, A, and C). Sound nutrition plays an important role in treating 3 of the most prevalent elderly disorders: heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The efficacy of dietary manipulations for these disorders, however, has not been sufficiently explored. Severe dietary restrictions (e.g., low sodium or low fat diets) imposed for medical reasons plus a reduced appetite may trigger primary malnutrition in the elderly; this condition may be more damaging than nutritional therapy is helpful. Hence, less restrictive diet (including foods from all 5 food groups and an individual consideration of energy needs) offers the best guide for elderly nutritional counseling. (wz)