Food and beverages promoting elderly health: six food-based dietary guidelines to plan good mixed meals for elderly South Africans

Abstract

Studies have shown that the elderly are at a higher risk of developing malnutrition due to physiological and pathological changes. Several studies have confirmed that older South Africans have insufficient dietary diversity, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, poor and uninformed dietary choices are associated with the development of several diseases and increased mortality. Following the Elderly Food Based Dietary Guidelines (EFBDGs) related to promoting elderly health could ensure that the elderly have an adequate intake of nutritious foods. This paper provides an overview of six FBDGs relating to promoting health and is based on the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines.

Keywords: dietary diversity, elderly, fruit and vegetable intake, legumes, milk and milk products, protein foods, pulses, variety,
wholegrain foods, South Africa