As people age, they tend to lose teeth, a thing that hinders chewing. Not having teeth limits one’s options, but that does not mean they have to compromise on nutrition. They will need to eat foods that are soft to enable them to swallow and digest easily. Emmy Ntamanga, a Kigali-based nutrition consultant, explains that old people who have lost their teeth may experience difficulty finding nutritious foods that are soft enough for their sensitive mouths. It’s important that they eat a healthy diet to consume the carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and nutrients necessary for their wellbeing. Ntamanga says that eggs are full of protein, which can help one build muscle. They also provide vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, and selenium. Each egg contains seven grams of protein and 1.6 grams of saturated fat. If a person has high cholesterol, cook only the egg whites. He also states that you should help the elderly person consume fruits and vegetables without chewing. Blending fruit like bananas and strawberries with spinach or kale can mask the taste of the vegetables. You can add a scoop of protein powder and milk for a protein boost. “Serve oatmeal that contains four grams of dietary fibre, which can keep one full and the digestive system working well. Yoghurt also makes a perfect breakfast or snack because it is a good source of calcium, protein, and potassium. The natural probiotics in yoghurt can keep one’s digestive tract healthy and may prevent yeast infections,” he says. The nutrition consultant urges serving the elderly with pumpkins as they are high in vitamin A, which helps the eyes and neurological system to work properly. Ntamanga adds that vegetables in soup for a long time can soften the pumpkin enough for one to enjoy. Adding onions, and celery to the soup provides a boost of potassium, which can lessen blood pressure levels and prevent heart disease. He highlights that one gets iron by eating cooked, mashed beans. “One cup of beans provides 9.8 milligrams of iron, which helps the body produce haemoglobin and red blood cells.” According to Ntamanga, mashed potatoes provide potassium, fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. For the most health benefits, try using red potatoes and not removing the peel, which contains numerous nutrients. Dieudonne Bukaba, a nutritionist in Kigali, says that steamed vegetables are also easy to eat, and advises making sure that they are soft enough for the elderly. Experts say that smoothies should have some flavour boosters, but they also have to be delicious to be truly enjoyed. Adding flavourful ingredients like vanilla extract, fresh mint leaves, or cinnamon can make a smoothie extra tasty. Cocoa powder is another good addition for ageing adults, as it has been shown to improve cognitive function. Bukaba adds that old people can also feed on oatmeal, this is because it is rich in minerals (such as manganese, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B1, iron, selenium, magnesium, zinc) that can lower blood sugar levels, promotes healthy bacteria in your gut, assists you to feel full to manage your weight, eases constipation and relieves skin itching and irritation.
