2.5. Nutrition
Some milk and dairy foods
• Including cheese and yogurt; choose low-fat options if trying to reduce fat in your diet.
Limit the amount of foods high in fat or sugar
• Crisps, chocolate, sweets. The amount that you need to eat of the different food groups will vary depen
ding on how active you are and if you are trying to lose or gain weight.
What happens if the body does not get enough nutrition?
If the body is not provided with enough food over a period of time it could suffer from a nutrition gap, also
known as ‘undernutrition’, which healthcare professionals may refer to as ‘malnutrition’. Anyone can beco
me undernourished if they do not eat enough food, or if their body cannot use what is eaten effectively due
to illness or a medical condition.
Certain groups of people may be at greater risk of undernutrition than others.
These people may have signs, or symptoms such as:
• Lack of, or a poor appetite over a prolonged period — this can be due to pain, the side effects of treat
ment, feeling full too quickly, or just not feeling like eating.
• Having a large wound or pressure ulcer — this may mean the body needs more nutrition to help itself
heal.
• Suffering from illness or disease — this may mean the body is more vulnerable and needs more nutrition,
even if less mobile than before.
• Problems with walking and moving around — this may stop someone from shopping or being able to
prepare or cook food.
How can I help to improve the nutritional intake of the person I care for?
Understanding the importance of nutrition in elderly individuals is crucial for maintaining their overall health
and well-being. As we age, our nutritional requirements change, and meeting these needs can be challen
ging. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to improve nutrition in the elderly effectively.
If someone you care for is struggling to eat or is at risk of undernutrition — here are some practical tips to
help improve their nutritional intake:
• Offer small, frequent meals and snacks every 2-3 hours.
• Avoid offering fluids with meals which may reduce how much food is eaten.
• Encourage the intake of foods that are high in calories and protein; for example, meat, fish, cheese, eggs,
and full fat dairy products like yoghurt and cheese.
• Offer snacks such as biscuits, cakes, chocolate, nuts or crisps may be useful.
• Encourage getting some fresh air outside or sit by an open window prior to, or during, eating.
• Use smaller portions on a small plate as large servings may reduce appetite further.