According to HPB’s 2010 National Nutrition Survey, only one in four senior citizens consume the recommended daily serving of vegetables, one in four have protein intake below the recommended level while over half have inadequate intakes of calcium. However, over half also have intakes of fat and saturated fat higher than the recommended levels.

 

The new set of dietary guidelines aims to enhance the nutrition intake of the seniors. Broadly, the guidelines embrace the following principles:

-           Consume quality, nutrient dense foods over quantity as seniors are less active

-           Choose soft foods which are easier to swallow

-           Consume calcium-fortified or rich foods due to the loss of bone calcium

-           Drink more fluids to counter constipation