At present, the Spaniards enjoy a great hope of life. A 55-year-old woman is estimated to live on average about 32 more years, while a man will live about 28 more. With these figures, it is clear that improving the habits to achieve healthy and active aging is more than justified.
There are three types of factors that determine life expectancy: genetic, environmental and lifestyle. Those that we have the option to modify are environmental and lifestyle. For this reason, the best strategy to conserve and improve health is to eat healthily, avoid toxic habits (tobacco, drugs, alcohol) and practice physical activity throughout life.
Objectives Of Feeding In The Elderly
The foundations of a healthy diet are the same throughout our lives, but our particular nutritional needs change as we get older. The objectives of feeding are to promote health, reduce the risk of suffering certain diseases and control the disorders caused by excessive or deficient intakes.
A proper diet after age 55 has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure or heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
One of the most apparent differences in nutritional requirements is that, as we age, we need less energy because the metabolism, that is, the internal work of our body and the rhythm of the cells, slows down. This process adds to the decrease in physical activity and muscle mass. Although we need less energy, we still need the same amount of nutrients. So more than ever we need a diet of high nutritional quality. For this you must:
- Empower healthy foods
- Avoid foods that provide empty calories (very caloric foods, but with few nutrients: pastries, soft drinks, sweets, alcohol …).