FAITH INTEGRATION PAPER 3
The most common diseases associated with the older persons like; diabetes, osteoporosis,
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular which are referred to as degenerative, are all diet affected.
Micronutrients have drawn great attention on their role in preventing non communicable
diseases. In most cases, there is micronutrient deficiency in the diet of the elderly people due to a
couple of factors, for example, taking foods in a poor way. The price at which foods are sold
with micronutrients is also another factor, which affects their consumption. Older people often
have decreased immunity; compounding it with the above aspect it therefore triggers this group’s
quick aging and even death.
Diet changes are factors which pose a risk on the life of a person but it has more impact
on the older people. Deteriorating vision and cases of low memory contribute to poor dietary
habits and poor health. Diet modifications in young people should only be made if drug therapy
has been considered in serious attempts. Consuming vegetables as well as fruits once or twice in
servings daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%. Ethical issues in nutritional
matters which encompass historical, cultural and religious influences are also observed. There is
a group of people tied to their beliefs culturally therefore this affects their nutritional intakes
since they match their nutrition with their beliefs hence, this has an impact to their health. For
instance, many religions have guidelines that dictate their diet, for example, excluding some
foods like a given type of flesh from certain animals. It is important to recognize such beliefs but
consequently, ensure that the interests of the elderly have been put into consideration. Diet
should be observed especially for the cases of the elderly despite the ethics.
Ageing and nutrition currently is a global challenge. In 2002 the estimated number of
order people in the world was 605 million people, where nearly 400 million were living in poor
countries. The number of older people in nations is expected to rise as the time progresses.
