One, it should be fragrant. The elderly often have a diminished sense of taste and appetite, finding food bland. Therefore, when cooking, attention should be paid to color, aroma, and flavor.
Two, it should be nutritious. The metabolism of the elderly is primarily catabolic, requiring more protein to compensate for the loss of tissue protein. They should consume more chicken, fish, rabbit, lamb, beef, lean pork, and bean products. These foods contain high-quality protein, are rich in nutrients, and are easy to digest.
Three, it should be varied. Proteins, fats, sugars, vitamins, minerals, and water are essential nutrients for the human body, widely found in various foods. To ensure balanced nutrient absorption and maintain good health, a variety of foods should be consumed. If possible, the daily main and side dishes should include around 10 different types. Fresh vegetables are a friend to the elderly's health. They are not only rich in vitamin C and minerals but also contain a good amount of fiber, which plays an important role in protecting the cardiovascular system and preventing cancer and constipation.
Four, it should be less. The digestive systems of the elderly are degenerated, and their daily activities are far less than those of younger people. Overeating increases the burden on digestive organs like the stomach and intestines, which is harmful to health. The elderly should eat until they are 80-90% full at each meal, especially dinner.
Five, it should be soft-textured. Most elderly people have poor teeth and cannot chew completely. Therefore, their food should be soft and easy to digest. They should chew their food slowly to reduce the burden on the stomach and promote digestion.
Six, it should be tender. The elderly often have loose or missing teeth, weaker chewing muscles, and a reduced secretion of digestive fluids and enzymes, leading to lower gastrointestinal digestive function. Therefore, food should be cooked to be softer and more tender.
Seven, it should be warm. The elderly have poor resistance to cold. Eating cold food can cause the blood vessels in the stomach wall to constrict, reducing blood supply, and reflexively decreasing blood circulation in other internal organs, which is detrimental to health. Therefore, the elderly's diet should be served warm, suitable for consumption.
Eight, it should be light. Some elderly people prefer strong flavors, but they fail to realize that excessive salt intake burdens the heart and kidneys and can easily lead to high blood pressure. For health, the elderly should consume 6-8 grams of salt per day. Olives also have certain medicinal value. In the "Compendium of Materia Medica," a pharmacologist of the Ming Dynasty noted its effects, including "promoting the production of body fluids, relieving thirst, and treating sore throat." Therefore, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used as a remedy to clear the lungs and soothe the throat, primarily for treating sore throat. In the dry winter climate, chewing fresh olives can moisten the throat, clear heat, quench thirst, and promote the production of body fluids, offering numerous benefits.