Functional Elderly

Elderly population can be divided into groups, including the functional elderly, the frail elderly and those with chronic diseases. Each of these groups has specific nutritional requirement. Several factors have to be taken into account when creating a diet for these people, including, age, gender, living conditions, mental and physical state, the medications they may need to take, and social support. The functional elderly are likely to have nutrient needs that do not vary markedly, except for a few nutrients, from those of the healthy younger population. Calcium, folate and zinc are often reported to be lower than what is recommended.
An elderly person needs to remain as physically active as their health allows in order to maintain agility, strength, and to maintain their physical health. Staying mentally active by learning new things, talking with others, playing …show more content…
You may have to help them walk across the street, or you may have to help them with day-to-day chores. Many people look at the elderly and don't want anything to do with them. The thing is, the more time you spend with these people, the more you are liable to learn. I like to think of these people as a well of never-ending knowledge. If you don't know something, or if you don't want to do something, there is a pretty good chance that these people will be able to help you. I know I keep saying people, but that is what they are. We shouldn't look at them as anything different. They still have feelings, just because they might be slower than us leaves no excuse to label them as anything else than people. Their basic needs are still the same as ours are, just the circumstances are different. So the next time you see an elderly person, lend a hand if they need it, or just make some small talk. You never know, you could gain some valuable