Elderly meal plan

• What changes occur in the body systems of elderly adults?

  Digestion and blood circulation start to slow down.
• What condition may increase in elderly adults?

  Blood pressure.
• Why is maintaining the body important for elderly adults?

  It helps prevent disease and keeps them strong and active.
• What changes occur in metabolic rate and sensory functions of elderly adults?

  • Metabolic rate slows down
  • Appetite gets smaller
  • Sense of smell and taste may be lost
• What can lead to weight gain in elderly adults?

  Unbalanced energy intake and insufficient physical activity.
• What skeletal and physical changes occur in elderly adults?

  • Bones lose minerals
  • Bones become fragile (osteoporosis)
  • Reduced exposure to vitamin D
  • Joints and muscles become stiff and weaker
• What nutrient absorption and health issues may elderly adults face?

  • Difficulty absorbing nutrients
  • Risk of deficiency diseases like scurvy and anaemia
  • Weakening eyesight
  • Poor short- and long-term memory
• Which nutrients are particularly important for elderly adults?

  Protein, vitamins A, B group, C, D, E, calcium, vitamin D, iron, vitamin C, vitamins A, C, E, and vitamin B12.
• What eating habits and lifestyle choices should elderly adults encourage?

  • Follow the Eatwell Guide
  • Eat small, regular, balanced meals, especially breakfast
  • Make meals appetising and tempting
  • Eat plenty of fresh fruit
  • Regularly eat oily fish and/or seeds
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take regular exercise to strengthen muscles and oxygenate the body.
• What eating habits should elderly adults discourage?

  • Energy-dense snacks and junk foods
  • Adding lots of sugar and salt to food.
• How can elderly adults stimulate bone health?

  • Include plenty of calcium-rich foods in the diet.
  • Spend time outdoors in the sunshine.
  • Take regular, load-bearing exercise to stimulate mineral uptake by bones.
• What are important aspects of a balanced diet for elderly adults?

  • Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and iron-rich foods.
  • Eat regular, well-balanced meals.
• How can elderly adults help prevent age-related eye conditions?

  • Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• How can elderly adults support B group vitamins?

  • Eat foods containing B group vitamins, especially vitamin B12.
• Where can elderly adults find a main meal recipe?

  On page 54.