A New Pyramid for the Baby Boomers!
Are you part of the "Baby-Boomer" generation?
If so, you are probably starting to notice some changes, yes changes.
Skin isn't quite so tight anymore? And what are those "freckles"?
Energy is not what it used to be; and boy does it hurt when you try
to play like you did at 25. What's up?
You are part of one of the largest growing demographics in the nation
today. You're getting older…but dare we call you "seniors,"
your parents are seniors right? You are part of the expanding "middle-age"
group. Your bodies have lived the 50+ years that in the old days was
considered senior. The life span of the average American has increased
dramatically. And studies show that it will only continue to increase
as the "Baby-Boomer" generation enters their "silver"
years, you are not going into no delicate twilight, oh no, not so
fast…
One of the key elements that is contributing to the drawing out of
what we may consider "middle-age" and the delay in entering
"senior-hood" is the heightened awareness about the importance
of nutrition and the use of supplements to maintain optimum health
that the "baby-boomer" generation created and now continues
to nurture. Promoting general health and wellness is the leading reason
why people 50 and older reported taking supplements. They also turned
to supplements for better nutrition, to battle aging, to lower cholesterol
and high blood pressure, and to thwart such chronic conditions as
osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, memory loss and absent-mindedness.
The "Baby-boomer" generation has forged ahead to find ways
to promote wellness for not only themselves but their aging parents
as well. Unfortunately, medical and scientific knowledge of the nutritional
needs as we age has not kept pace. Although most experts do agree
that nutrition is a factor in the aging process, that age-related
changes in body composition and metabolism require the older population
(seniors) to keep a sharp eye on their nutritional intake.
Does this mean sticking to the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances)?
Not necessarily, the RDA is reviewed every five years and established
through extensive tests by nutrition scientists. They recommend the
same nutrient levels for all people regardless of age or gender. Unfortunately,
in the past these studies have only included younger adults and the
needs of the older population have not been taken into consideration.
The vitamin and mineral nutritional status of older persons is commonly
compromised as a negative feedback loop develops between nutritional
intake, the ability to actually absorb and utilize what is taken in.
According to health officials, of particular concern to seniors should
be the B vitamins. An estimated 30% of seniors lose their ability
to make stomach acid, and this interferes with the absorption of vitamin
B-12 and folic acid. Studies suggest that deficiencies in these, as
well as in vitamin B-6 can cause neurological changes such as a decline
in alertness, loss of memory, and numbness of the extremities. Vitamin
B-2, or riboflavin, aids in the release of energy from carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats. There is also concern that since older persons
generally take medications regularly, some medications may cause vitamin
deficiencies.
The reduction of the natural movement of food and enzyme activity
in the gastrointestinal tract, known to be associated with aging,
often results in digestive difficulties in dealing with certain foods.
Also, this reduction in the natural movement of food through the intestines
causes food to remain in the intestines for a longer period of time,
producing harder stools and resulting in constipation.
The addition of supplements to the Senior food pyramid.
With the 50+ population growing so rapidly it is no surprise to see
that the special nutritional needs of seniors are finally being given
the attention they deserve. Researchers at the Tuft's University USDA
Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) have recently modified
the traditional food pyramid to more correctly illustrate the needs
of an older population. The most interesting additions to the pyramid
are the eight or more 8oz. glasses of water at the base of the pyramid
and supplements
at the top. The pyramid still promotes a diverse diet rich in grains,
vegetables and fruit but low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The
pyramid is narrower than the traditional pyramid because older individuals
are less active and require less food to maintain the same weight.
However, they do require higher levels of specific nutrients like
antioxidants to defend against free radical damage associated with
aging, Vitamin D and calcium to keep bones strong, and folic acid
to retain mental acuity and reduce the incidences of stroke and heart
disease.
A flag tops the pyramid as a reminder that older individuals may not
absorb enough of the vitamins they require for healthy aging because
of changes in metabolism; others face restricted food choices because
of medical conditions and medication side effects. Therefore, some
vitamin supplements
may be helpful.
"We're becoming a country of older individuals
who expect to live longer and remain healthy. People want advice on
how to do that. The pyramid can help people make small, easy changes
within the context of what they already enjoy eating." Says Alice
H. Lichtenstein, one of the researchers from the HNRCA.
