FSAI updates dietary guidelines for seniors, “fastest-growing” age group in Ireland

21 Apr 2021 --- Between 61 and 78 percent of adults aged 65 and older in Ireland are classified as overweight or obese, which has prompted the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to update its national dietary recommendations for senior nutrition.

The new nutritional guidelines advise overweight older adults to combine a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with physical activity to avoid further weight gain and maintain lean body tissue. 

However, they advise that seniors should avoid weight-loss diets to prevent muscle mass loss.

Other key recommendations include:

• Avoid eating salty foods: People’s sense of taste diminishes with age and can lead to increased salt intake. Alternatives such as herbs and spices can be used to increase flavor.
• Stimulate muscle protein with high-quality proteins: Healthy older adults should eat a more protein-dense diet, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs.
• Consume high-fiber carbohydrates, but reduce sugar intake: One-third of older Irish people exceed recommended free sugar intake, while the average carb intake is “at the lower recommendation end.” 
• Take a daily 15 µg vitamin D supplement: Recommended by the Department of Health for all older adults in Ireland.

FSAI flags the aging process itself must be taken into account in dietary advice.“Some of the messages are simple and the report has generated considerable interest in these areas, which are likely to be implemented sooner than others,” Oonagh Lyons, technical executive Public Health Nutrition Policy, FSAI, tells NutritionInsight.

The report underpins the food-based dietary guidelines developed by the Department of Health in Ireland. “This data will be further developed by the Department of Health into guidelines using consumer-friendly imagery and easily understood messaging,” Dr. Mary Flynn, chief specialist Public Health Nutrition of FSAI, also tells NutritionInsight.

All eyes on healthy aging
The report aims to inform policymakers, healthcare professionals and those advocating for and caring for older people in Irish society.

The FSAI views it as “common sense” to support older people living healthy, productive lives through health strategies based on changing nutritional needs throughout the lifecycle.

According to Ita Saul, chair of the FSAI’s Public Health Nutrition Subcommittee, there is a “noticeable difference” in the functional ability of older adults alive today compared with 30 years ago. 

People over 65 years old are the fastest-growing age group in Ireland, according to FSAI data, having increased by 19 percent from 2011 to 2016. 

These 630,800 people make up 13.8 percent of the total population, with ongoing increases expected to reach a predicted 1.6 million older citizens by 2051.

The report makes nutritional recommendations for seniors living independently, semi-independently or in residential care.Personalization to the fore?
The FSAI regularly publishes dietary guidelines for specific nutrition situations, including advice for children and guidance on supplements throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to considerable variations in the aging process, food-based dietary guidelines are best tailored to functional capacity rather than chronological age,” says Pamela Byrne, CEO of FSAI.

The report further takes differences in health status and differences in the needs of those living independently, semi-independently or in residential care into consideration.

For example, older adults in residential care need to be offered drinks on a frequent basis to ensure that they maintain adequate fluid intakes.

Innova Market Insights predicts personalized nutrition will dominate the F&B industry this year, as evidenced by its third top trend “Tailored To Fit” for 2021.

Indicators of success
Dr. Flynn further calls the recommendations “acceptable and easily adoptable.” Should Irish elderly adhere to the new dietary guidelines, some of the main benefits would be: 

• Prevention or delay in onset of frailty. 
• Improved vitamin B and D status.
• Improved nutritional status of older adults dependent in residential care due to use of more fortified foods.

Taking a preventative approach to healthy aging through nutrition can help invest in “vital senior years.”A mixed blessing
As the global senior population continues to balloon, healthy aging is fast becoming a staple nutrition trend. 

An Innova Market Insights survey reveals that seven out of ten consumers have made changes across the past year to improve their health. These changes were not just for physical health but also focused on balancing physical, mental and emotional aspects. 

A key discussion topic at Vitafoods Virtual Expo 2020, healthy aging is widely viewed by younger demographics as a means of taking a preventative approach to investing in “vital senior years.”

Further concerned by poor elderly health worldwide, the World Health Organization declared 2021-2030 the “Decade of Healthy Ageing,” sharpening its focus on nutrition as one of the central factors in maintaining vitality.

“Humans now live longer than at any time in history,” flags Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. “But adding more years to life can be a mixed blessing if it is not accompanied by adding more life to years.”

By Anni Schleicher