Elderly Diet Lesson objectives To learn what vitamins and minerals are important for an elderly diet To learn the aspects to include in an elderly diet To learn what items should be eaten less in an elderly diet

Vitamins and Minerals important for an elderly diet Calcium and Vitamin D Omega 3 fatty Acids Preserves bone health. Calcium also helps lower blood pressure Reduces inflammation which causes heart disease, cancer and arthritis Flax seed oil Vitamins and Minerals important for an elderly diet Improves the immune system and lower risk of cardiovascular disease Iron Anemia is common in the elderly because of poor absorption of iron due to changes in the gut and use of certain drugs Vitamin C

Important things to do Hydrate (drink) - thirst reflex becomes suppressed when you are elderly. Liquid is important for all bodies and systems Include Fibre - Older people can suffer from constipation. Fibre helps relieve this. High fibre = cereals, veg and fruit

Foods to lessen in an elderly diet saturated Reduced saturated fat improves heart health Note do not reduce for fragile, ill, or elderly with weight loss issues Most elderly people have hypertension. Lower salt levels reduces hypertension