The elderly need to be serious in maintaining their health and fitness conditions to prevent various problems.
This can be done by maintaining nutritional intake and continuing to exercise.
Lazuardhi Dwipa, an internal medicine specialist and geriatric consultant, reminded that in the geriatric age group,
there is a risk of vulnerability or vulnerability.
"Fulnerability is a process that goes hand in hand with the decline in the body's functional capacity in the aging process," he said.
vulnerability in the elderly usually has three of five characteristics, namely skeletal muscle weakness (sarcopenia),
feeling tired all the time (depression), many chronic illnesses (over two years), there is a decrease in physical performance, and the presence of malnutrition.
Management to overcome vulnerability in the elderly is to ensure adequate calorie and protein intake, as well as nutritional supplementation if needed.
The Importance of Nutrition for the Elderly
In addition, the elderly also of course still need to exercise to strengthen muscles and stamina, as well as flexibility.
"It is also important that fall prevention programs, vitamin D supplementation, and chronic diseases are well managed," he said.
and prevent the bad effects of many drugs (polypharmacy)," said this teaching staff at Padjadjaran University.
Daily nutrition itself is important for the elderly to be able to ward off free radicals, support organ function so that they can work optimally,helps maintain muscle mass, and strengthens the immune system.
For this reason, the elderly can choose foods that contain protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, Omega 3 and Omega 6,and don't forget to maintain a low-lactose nutritional intake so as not to interfere with digestion, and low in sugar.
Sports
In addition to nutrition, Antonius Andi Kurniawan, a sports medicine specialist also said that exercise is one of the complements so that the elderly can remain active everyday.
"Despite the concerns surrounding older adults who exercise, the health benefits of an active lifestyle far outweigh the risks," Antonius said.
He said the elderly may indeed need a longer time to heal or recover in the event of an injury.
But according to him, they are advised to exercise with light intensity to stay strong and active.
Elderly need 30 minutes every day to do exercise, where the combination of movements can be for flexibility, cardio, muscle strength and balance.