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Nutritional Needs of the Elderly

Dec 23rd, 2020

Archive for the ‘ Seniors ’ Category

Nutritional Needs of the Elderly

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020

Staying away from your parents? Constantly worried about their well-being? Concerned about an elderly family member with poor health? The elderly are more vulnerable to develop chronic health conditions due to their weak immune system and dietary deficiencies. Educate your loved ones about the importance of good nutrition and support them in every possible way to meet their health requirements. A healthy diet helps senior citizens increase their immunity and stay healthy.

Why Nutrition Matters?
After crossing 60 years of age, seniors may need more sleep, less physical exertion, and different types of foods than they needed before. Aging changes one’s nutritional needs and appetite, older people may eat less, but need nutrient-rich meals. The aging process involves changes in the physiological, pathological, social, and psychological conditions of a person. Nutrition is an important element of health among the elderly, and it affects the whole process of aging. As you age, your body becomes less efficient at absorbing some key nutrients and some foods become difficult to chew or digest. Poor nutrition may lead to a decline in various bodily functions, impaired muscle function, decreased bone mass, weakened immunity, reduced cognitive function, poor wound healing, and delayed recovery from surgery.

Nutritional Health Tips for the Elderly

Here are some key nutrients that must be included in the diet of the elderly. These help fight the problems of aging make them resilient:

  • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in bone health, muscle health, immunity, and cognition. Sunlight is the best source, but aging reduces the ability to absorb it well. Speak to your doctor and take a supplement if required.
  • Calcium is a mineral involved in bone health, muscle health, nerve transmission, and hormone secretion. Include milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, soya bean, broccoli, figs, etc in your diet.
  • Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in metabolism, immunity, and is involved in over 100 different enzyme reactions in the body. Get your required intake by including a wide variety of different foods like banana, rice, chickpeas, paneer, spinach, etc. in your diet.
  • Vitamin B-12 is involved in DNA creation, red blood cell formation, and nerve function. The absorption of vitamin B-12 may decrease with age and seniors are usually recommended fortified foods or supplements.
  • Fiber plays an important role in digestion, preventing constipation, and even reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  • Protein is a macro-nutrient found in every single cell in the body and is very essential for life. Protein also aids in immunity, maintaining muscle, and maintaining physical function in seniors. A protein deficiency can cause malnutrition or muscle loss. Lentils and legumes, eggs, oats, milk and dairy products, nuts and seeds are good sources of protein.
  • Getting enough potassium in your diet helps keep your bones strong. This essential mineral is vital for cell function, controls blood pressure levels, and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Fruits and vegetables like bananas, plums, prunes, and potatoes with their skin are rich in potassium.
  • Magnesium plays a crucial role in some 300 different physiological processes. Fill your plate with as many unprocessed foods as possible, including fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans and seeds, all of which are great sources of magnesium.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats, that help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and also help improve your cognitive skills.  Consumption of fish, soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, and canola oil are helpful.

Do you need a personalized diet plan to help manage certain health conditions? Consult our highly experienced dieticians from the comfort of your home over an online consultation or visit us personally. Our team caters to the needs of the elderly with utmost compassion and expertise. Please find the below website link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/nutritiontherapy.html

World Heart Day

Monday, September 28th, 2020

In India, more than 17 lakh people die every year due to heart diseases and by 2030, the figure is expected to increase with 2.3 crore deaths. As per the World Health Organization, Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality globally, as well as in India. Indians due to their genetic make-up are more vulnerable to heart diseases as compared to their western counterparts. According to the Indian Heart Association, 50% of all heart attacks in Indians occur under 50 years of age and 25% of all heart attacks in Indians occur under 40 years of age. It is time that Indians make their heart health a priority and make positive changes towards reducing their risk of heart diseases.

Heart Disease: Types
Heart disease refers to various types of conditions that can affect heart function. These include:

  • Coronary artery (atherosclerotic) heart disease that affects the arteries connecting to the heart. Heart attack comes under this.
  • Valvular heart disease that affects how the valves function to regulate blood flow in and out of the heart.
  • Cardiomyopathy that affects how the heart muscle squeezes.
  • Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) that affect the electrical conduction.
  • Congenital heart disease heart has structural problems before birth.

Classic signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease may include:

  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Irregular heartbeat

If you notice any of these symptoms, this is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.

Heart Disease: Risk factors
Several risk factors play an important role in determining if you will develop heart disease. Two of these factors, age, and heredity, are out of your control. However, you can make changes in your lifestyle to reduce your heart disease risk:

  • Smoking  – Smoking damages the blood vessels in your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Quit smoking, protect your heart health.
  • Unhealthy diet  – The foods you eat can affect your heart health. What you eat and how much can impact other risk factors for heart disease, such as your cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight.
  • Being inactive  – People who aren’t active enough have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Doing regular physical activity or exercise often can cut your risk of having a heart attack or developing heart disease.
  • Obesity – Being overweight or obese can lead to many health conditions and increase your chances of developing heart disease. Achieving a healthy weight is an important step in improving your heart, health, and wellbeing.
  • Alcohol – Drinking a lot over the long term can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, weaken your heart muscle, and increase triglycerides. Say “No” to alcohol.

Heart Disease: Preventive measures
Heart disease is dangerous, but you can prevent heart disease to some extent by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are strategies to help you protect your heart:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Stop smoking
  • Eat healthy
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce stress in your life
  • Control your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
  • Get an annual heart check-up done
  • Take medications for any health conditions

Heart Disease: Healthy eating
Your eating habits play an essential role in deciding your heart health. It is time to make some conscious changes to adopt a heart-healthy diet. Here are a few simple tips to follow:

  • Control your portion size
  • Eat more vegetables and fruits
  • Select whole grains
  • Limit unhealthy fats
  • Reduce the sodium in your food

Centre for Cardiac Sciences at Kokilaben Hospital
The burden of heart diseases in India is on the rise. Specialists at our Centre for Cardiac Sciences provide an all-inclusive programme for the management of heart disease from newborns to adults including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The team also conducts advanced minimally-invasive procedures for valve replacement, key-hole surgery, beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting, and awake cardiac surgery. Our experts have performed more than 1700+ Coronary Angioplasties and 6200+ Cardiac Surgeries.

The centre is supported by

  • Advanced Cardiac Cath Labs
  • Dedicated Cardiac Operation Theatres
  • Fractional Flow Rate (FFR) for better diagnosis
  • External Counter Pulsation (ECP) for Refractory Cardiac Failure patients
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology for managing Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities0
  • Vibrant Non-Invasive Cardiology Programme

Centre for Children’s Heart
1 in 10 children suffers from congenital heart disease in India. Early detection and treatment aided by advanced technology help improve the survival and quality of life of newborns. The Children’s Heart Centre at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, is a world-class facility specialising in providing comprehensive care for neonates, infants, and children. The Centre possesses top of the line Heart Lung Machines used during surgeries, ECMO used in Critical Care, and 3D Echo machines for an accurate diagnosis.

Concerned about heart conditions like atherosclerosis, angina, heart failure, heart attack, irregular heartbeats, aortic valve disease, congenital heart problems? Consult highly trained experts from our Centre for Cardiac Sciences & Centre for Children’s Heart for timely diagnosis and exceptional treatment. Call us on 022 42699999 for any cardiac emergencies. Please find the below link for more details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cardiacsciences.html

Healthy living with Alzheimer’s

Monday, September 21st, 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease tends to develop slowly and gradually worsens over several years. Eventually, Alzheimer’s disease affects most areas of your brain. Memory, thinking, judgment, language, problem-solving, personality, and movement can all be affected by the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. But if memory problems are seriously affecting your daily life, they could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. They include:

  • Memory loss
  • Misplacing things
  • Lapse in judgment
  • Daily tasks are a challenge
  • Times and places are confusing
  • Changes in vision
  • Words and conversations are frustrating
  • Social withdrawal
  • Mood changes

These symptoms need further investigation by a neurologist.

Reduce your Alzheimer’s risk

Adopting healthy lifestyle changes may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 60 percent. Here is what you can do:

  •  Physical exercise – Regular physical exercise helps prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and can slow the progression in people who have symptoms.
  • Eat healthy – A nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and beans helps reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
  • Sleep – Protect your brain and lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease by establishing a bedtime routine and sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours.
    Stress – Studies suggest that stress and hypertension increase the risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Manage stress better.
  • Mental stimulation – Reduce Alzheimer’s risk by stimulating your brain. Solve puzzles, crossword, sudoku, or play card games. Keep your brain active.
  • Social interaction – Alzheimer’s experts believe that social engagement promotes healthy aging and can help prevent the disease. Socialize with family and friends, participate in community activities, learn a new skill to help keep your mind engaged.
  • Quit Smoking – Smoking is harmful to your body and your brain.
  • Medical conditions – Problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s later in life.
  • Maintain a healthy weight –  Maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and a proper diet can help reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s.

Living with Alzheimer’s
There isn’t a cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease. But certain medicines help slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and make the disease easier to live with. There’s a lot you can do to help someone you care about with Alzheimer’s enjoy their day-to-day activities. Even though people with the disease can get frustrated or confused easily, take these steps to help them feel calm and safe. Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Keep a routine: People with Alzheimer’s tend to prefer a familiar schedule and settings. Changes can be hard for them.
  • Limit distractions: People with Alzheimer’s can be easily overwhelmed by crowds and noise. Gather in small groups, avoid crowded places, keep the TV off during other activities.
  • Be flexible: Over time, a person with dementia will become more dependent. To reduce frustration, stay flexible, and adapt your routine and expectations as needed.
  • Create a safe environment: Dementia impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, increasing a person’s risk of injury.
  • Make decisions for your loved ones: People with Alzheimer’s may get flustered when they have to make decisions. It is okay for the caregiver to take some control of everyday choices.

Alzheimer’s in India

In India, more than 4 million people are estimated to be suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, giving the country the third highest caseload in the world. India’s dementia and Alzheimer’s burden is forecast to reach almost 7.5 million by the end of 2030. It is time we increase the awareness of this disease and reach out for medical help.

Concerned about a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s? Our specialists at the Alzheimer’s clinic offer a comprehensive screening and care program for Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders, including neurology consultation, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Please visit:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/alzheimersclinic.html