on April 13 Dr Sarawut Boonsuk The Deputy Director General of the Department of Health said the Ministry of Public Health (Sor.) on April 13 every year. It is Songkran Day and “National Elderly Day” which is the day when the children come to visit the house. Get together and do various activities together. This is a good opportunity to take care of the health of the elderly. especially in nutrition According to the Thai Public Health Survey report through Physical Examination No. 6, 2019-2020, it was found that Seniors aged 70 and over eat less fruit and vegetables. Only 34.8% ate enough fruit and vegetables, more than or equal to 5 portions a day. Including eating less meat and milk than the body needs. cause insufficient energy, vitamins and minerals Especially calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamins B and vitamin C, resulting in the elderly thin. muscle atrophy less bone strength Increase the risk of falling and if there is a risk of dementia affecting everyday life and the quality of life of the elderly
Dr said. Sarawut further stated 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 changes in smell and taste. with oral and dental health problems Difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, reduced ability to absorb nutrients and intestinal motility together with depression This is one of the reasons why the elderly eat less food. leading to malnutrition and other health problems Therefore, it is important to lead to better nutritional status.
Dr. continued. Sarawut as recommended by the Department of Health “Eat healthy, keep good eyes, energy to walk” as follows 1. edible Which should eat 7-9 scoops of rice flour a day, 4 scoops of vegetables a day, 1-3 servings of fruit a day, 6-8 spoons of meat a day, 1-2 cups of rice and milk a day . Food characteristics should be soft, chewy, easy to digest, not strong taste, and eat foods that help nourish the brain and nervous system, including fish, lean meat, eggs, milk, liver, blood, whole grains. Dry beans, green leafy vegetables, berries, etc. 2. good eyes Eat foods that help the function of the retina. and delay the onset of macular degeneration, including yellow-orange fruit 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 bone loss, including fish, lean meat, eggs, milk, small fish, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables. whole grains dry beans, etc., and should be eaten together as a family Create warmth of mind 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. It will help reduce the risk of various health problems Do not neglect measures to prevent COVID-19. which can return to the epidemic after a long holiday So, keep your symptoms to yourself If you have a cough, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, runny nose, headache, and difficulty breathing, you should refrain from traveling Make sure your ATK checked before and after travel. When travelling, wear a mask at all times. wash your hands and wear 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 outdoors Well ventilated Avoid going out to party outside Because it could bring the disease back to the elderly in the family,” said Dr Sarawut.
