on April 13 Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk Deputy Director General of the Department of Health Ministry of Public Health (Sor.) Said on April 13 of every year. It’s Songkran Day and “National Elderly Day” which is the day when the children come to visit the house. Gather together to do various activities together. This is a good opportunity to take care of the health of the elderly. especially in nutrition According to the report of the Thai Public Health Survey by Physical Examination No. 6, 2019-2020, it was found that Elderly people aged 70 years and over eat less fruits and vegetables. Only 34.8% ate enough fruits and vegetables, more than or equal to 5 servings per day. Including eating less meat and milk than the body needs. causing inadequate energy, vitamins and minerals Especially calcium, iron, vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin C, resulting in the elderly being thin. muscle atrophy decreased bone strength Increase the risk of falls and if there is a risk of dementia will affect the daily life and quality of life of the elderly
Dr. Sarawut further said that the elderly are a vulnerable age group. There is a risk of getting sick easily. The body begins to deteriorate in the functioning of various organ systems such as smell and taste changes. have oral and dental health problems Difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, decreased ability to absorb nutrients and intestinal motility together with depression This is one of the reasons why the elderly consume less food. leading to malnutrition and other health problems Therefore, it is important to lead to better nutritional status.
Dr. Sarawut continued that the Department of Health recommended “Eat well, have good eyes, have energy to walk” as follows 1. Edible Which should eat 7-9 scoops of rice-flour per day, 4 scoops of vegetables per day, 1-3 portions of fruit per day, 6-8 spoonfuls of meat per day, 1-2 cups of rice and milk per day. Food characteristics should be soft, chewy. Easy to digest, not strong flavor, and eat foods that help nourish the brain and nervous system, including fish, lean meat, eggs, milk, liver, blood, whole grains. Dried beans, green leafy vegetables, berries, etc. 2. good eyes Eat foods that help in the functioning of the retina. and delay the onset of macular degeneration, including yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fish with good fatty acids dried beans Berries, etc. 3. have strength to walk Eat foods that help strengthen muscles and slow down bone deterioration, including fish, lean meat, eggs, milk, small fish, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables. whole grains dried beans, etc., and should be eaten together as a family To create mental warmth for the elderly
“In any case, the elderly should get enough sleep, 7-9 hours, be physically active, train the brain, socialize, meet and talk, and have regular annual health check-ups. Will help reduce the risk of various health problems Do not neglect measures to prevent COVID-19. that may return to the epidemic after a long holiday Therefore, please observe your own symptoms. If you have a cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, runny nose, headache, and difficulty breathing, you should refrain from traveling. Have your ATK checked both before and after traveling. While traveling, wear a mask all the time. wash your hands and put on a mask before pouring water on the head to pray for the elderly Eating together among family members should use a medium spoon. Or sit and eat food in the open air Well ventilated May avoid going out to party outside Because it may bring the disease back to the elderly in the family, ”said Dr. Sarawut.