Bread for breakfast, leftover soup from the fridge for lunch, coffee and a bun for a snack. For many elderly people, the day's meals may be too small, and the protein they provide in particular, may be well below recommended levels.
There is growing concern that rising food prices are having a detrimental impact on the nutrition of the elderly.
"The diets of elderly people can be quite unbalanced, and, for example, coffee breaks may replace the day's meals," Merja Suominen, executive director of the Society for Gerontolological Nutrition in Finland (Gery), and an adjunct professor of nutritional science, told the STT news agency.
The risk of poor nutrition is especially acute among those whose memory has weakened or who have problems with movement, making it difficult to get to the shops. However, even those in otherwise good health can have deficiencies in their diet, something which exposes them to deteriorating functional capacity and quality of life.
A survey conducted by Gery in January showed that due to the increase in food prices more than two out of five consumers have cut back on fruits and vegetables, as well as protein-rich products. Three out of five consumers have reduced their fish consumption. Meanwhile, 70 percent of people over 55 said that they cannot eat as varied and healthy diets as they have before.
Suominen thinks that the situation is even more worrying, because people with low incomes tend to respond to these kinds of surveys less frequently than do people in higher income brackets.
Taste matters
Around one-third of pensioners have a gross income of less than 1,300 euros per month, according to Liisa Flinck-Vasama, who chairs the Tampere chapter of the Finnish Pensioners' Federation.
"Expenses pensioners have to cover include rent, electricity bills and medication. Food is almost the only expense that can be cut," Flinck-Vasama pointed out.
She said that many people are now looking for cheaper product options, for example cold cuts, and trying to find items close to expiry date that are sold at a discount. The price of tomatoes, cucumbers and some fruits are already quite high for people on low incomes.
"Pensions increased in January, but also a letter came from the tax authority which announced an increase in tax rates. Pensioners do not have much left over from the increase," Flinck-Vasama said.
She noted that if people get decent food, they stay healthier, a situation which benefits society.
Home-delivered meal services also have room for improvement, and in the worst case, the food may be so unappealing that it is not eaten. While in the past home care providers would prepare the food in the client's home or at least heat it up for them, nowadays a ready-made packaged meal is often just left at the door.
According to the messages received by Flinck-Vasama at the Pensioners' Federation, the mushy appearance and the taste of food from these services are not always very tempting. She adds that while it is understandable that the food cannot cost too much, tendering for the service can still go too far.
"You could ask those bidding for the contracts if they would eat the same food themselves," she said.
Lack of protein
Many elderly people have dietary deficiencies especially in protein. More protein is recommended for the elderly than for younger people, on average 80–100 grammes per day. If protein intake is too low, the body may use its own muscles as a source of protein. The immune response can also be weakened.
Many also eat too few vegetables, fruits and berries, while the proportion of carbohydrates, on the other hand, can be too high.
"They are also needed, but the feeling of hunger being satisfied should not be based only on carbohydrates, such as potatoes and cheaper breads. If snacks are also sugary products, the level of proteins will be too low," Gery's Suominen said.
Right kind of snacks
The inclusion of protein is recommended for every meal and every snack for the elderly. Sources of protein include fish, meat, eggs, peas, beans, lentils and dairy products.
There is no need to avoid ready-made convenience meals, and if necessary, they can be improved with protein supplements and vegetables for a fuller, healthier meal. For example, additional side dishes for a bowl of spinach soup could be an egg and a glass of milk or soy drink, bread with a spread or hummus and cherry tomatoes. One can upgrade the nutritional value of a fish and potato meal by heating up some frozen carrots and having a berry purée as a dessert.
Snacks can easily be used to add more protein. For example, nuts, yogurts, protein-rich puddings, or even a slice of whole wheat bread with cold cuts or an egg are all healthy choices.
"Many older people have started making smoothies with, for example, yogurt, banana, curd and milk. One can also add protein powder," Merja Suominen suggested.