Geriatric nutrition is the talk of the time and need more research

doi:10.15406/jnhfe.2016.05.00165

Journal of

eISSN: 2373-4310

Nutritional Health & Food Engineering

Editorial Volume 5 Issue 2

Geriatric nutrition is the talk of the time and need more research

Md Monoarul Haque

Verify Captcha

Regret for the inconvenience: we are taking measures to prevent fraudulent form submissions by extractors and page crawlers. Please type the correct Captcha word to see email ID.

Publication Secretary, Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association

Correspondence: Md Monoarul Haque, Publication Secretary, Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association,

Received: October 23, 2016 | Published: November 3, 2016

Citation: Haque MM. Geriatric nutrition is the talk of the time and need more research. J Nutr Health Food Eng. 2016;5(2):588. DOI: 10.15406/jnhfe.2016.05.00165

Download PDF

Editorial

Geriatric population is increasing worldwide. Bangladesh is not behind. Bangladesh is projected to be 1 of the 10 countries having largest elderly population. Total elderly population of the country 6.7% of the total population which is projected to be doubled in 2015. Lifespan has increased due to availability and accessibility of health services, decrease fertility and improve overall quality of life as well as income generating capacity has increased. In our country aged over 60 years is considered as geriatric age. Few days before World Geriatric Day has been cerebrated tremendously. Print and electronic media supported well. Double burden of malnutrition is seen among children, adolescent, adult but what about geriatric people we don’t know. Moreover taste bud, digestive capacity alters due to ageing process. Changes are observed in their liking and disliking of food. On the other hand defense mechanism of our body becomes weak in last part of life. As a result gradually they become vulnerable. Besides joint family is breaking down and nuclear family is taking place instead of joint family which ultimately results lack of care. In western countries aged population usually reside old home but this culture did not develop much in our country. Awareness level on geriatric diet and nutrition need to be increased. Special emphasis should be given on their hygiene practice, environment and diet. Mental support is another important area need to be focused. The available literature concerning nutrition in older age is limited and studies to date have been small and I did not find any such study among geriatric people in our country. More research on their diet, dietary habit, micronutrient intake and nutritional status is suggested to conduct. If we can ensure proper nutrition to elderly people I believe they will be asset rather than burden.