The appetite is controlled by several factors in the body. It is a complex interplay of hormones, signals from the gut and brain centers which also involves the sense of taste, smell and even sight. A healthy appetite is where a person desires food but is satisfied (satiety) once enough food is consumed to maintain the blood sugar levels and provide energy for a period of time thereafter. A common problem among seniors is a loss of appetite (anorexia). It is usually a gradual decline in the appetite and the development of poor eating habits but in some instances it can arise in the short term.
Food Intolerance and Malabsorption in the Elderly
As a person gets older, many of the bowel functions that were efficient earlier in life may become impaired to different degrees. Sometimes this is just an age-related change in the bowel while at other times it is associated with genetic factors or bowel disease. One of these changes is the intolerance to certain foods. This means that the body cannot digest or absorb certain nutrients. It must not be confused with food allergies where exposure to a certain food triggers overactivity of the immune system, which can at times even be life threatening. A food intolerance means that your body cannot process certain types of foods because of the substances within it.
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Glycemic Index and Low and High GI Foods
Carbohydrates are a major food group and consumed in the largest quantities in the modern diet. Starches like bread, corn, potatoes and rice constitute the bulk of most meals. However, not all carbohydrates are made the same. The quantities of fiber, proteins and vitamins and minerals varies in each type of starch. More importantly though is that the manner in which these carbohydrates affects the blood glucose levels differs. Most starches are complex carbohydrates that are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream as simple carbohydrates, mainly glucose. Glycemic index is a measure of the degree to which a carbohyrate raises the glucose levels in the blood. This is very important for maintaining a constant energy supply for long periods of time, and especially in diabetics and those aiming to control their weight.
Calorie Needs of the Elderly in Food and Exercise
The body needs a constant supply of food to break it down and produce energy. It is this energy that is the ‘fuel’ for all activity in the body even the life sustaining process when one is asleep. Energy needs often decrease in the senior years as a person becomes less active. Maintaining the same calorie intake in food as when younger may therefore lead to weight gain. However, consuming less calories than is needed can contribute to excessive weight loss, fatigue and other health complications. It is therefore important for the elderly to maintain a calorie intake that meets their needs.