K. Belogianni (1), Xr.M. Kastorini (1), K. Zota (1), I. Spyridis (1), E. Papadimitriou (1), R. Kosti (2), A. Samara (3), I. Alamanos (4), G. Dedousis (5), I. Karaitianos (6), D. Linos (7), Ev. Magklara-Katsilambrou (8), A. Pantazopoulou-Foteinea (9), Ev. Polychronopoulos (5), P. Sourtzi (10), Eu. Fouseki (11), Th. Psaltopoulou (7), V. Benetou (12), Ε. Riza (12), A. Linos (1,12)
DESCRIPTION:
AIM The development of food-based dietary guidelines for people 65 years and older is important for maintaining and promoting their health.
Material-Method Diet-health relationship, the age-related physiological changes that affect diet and physical activity, energy and nutrient requirements and existing dietary guidelines from international organizations and countries for people 65 years and older were investigated. Dietary habits of the Greek elderly population were also studied.
Results Based on the results of the study and considering the beneficial effects of the traditional Greek diet for health, the food availability and the dietary habits of the population, dietary guidelines were formulated as follows: 4 servings/day of vegetables, 3 servings/day of fruits, 3 servings/day of dairies, 5–7 servings/day of cereals, 3–5 servings/day of added fats and oils, 2–3 servings/week of meat, 2–3 servings/week of fish, up to 4 eggs/week and ≥3 servings/week of legumes. Adequate intake of fluids, maintenance of a healthy body weight and regular physical activity are also important.
Results The impact of a healthy diet and regular physical activity on health and well-being of the older population is indisputable. Health professionals should encourage the adoption of healthy diet and regular physical activity in this population.
INFORMATION:
Periodicity: Iatriki 2015, 104(3–4):187—214
Origin Center: (1) Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Athens, (2) Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Applied Sciences of Thessaly, TEI of Thessaly, Karditsa, (3) Unit for Health Promotion Research, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark, 4Institute of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Corfu, (5) School of Health Science and Education, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, (6) School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Surgical Department, “Agios Savvas” Regional Cancer Hospital, (7) School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, (8) Clinical Dietician, Nutritionist, (9) Public Health Professional, Occupational Physician, Former General Director of the Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, (10) Faculty of Nursing, University of Athens, Athens, (11) Former Advisor for National Secondary School Education, (12) Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Keywords: Dietary recommendations, food-based guidelines, older people-elderly, health, food groups, servings, nutrients, physical activity, frail elderly
Corresponding Author: A. Linos, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, GR-115 27 Goudi, Athens, Greece • e-mail: alinos@med.uoa.gr