Page 77 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2021. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo / Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 77
lity of life of the elderly in intergenerational cooperation prehrana in zdravje starejših odraslih | nutrition and health of the elderly
and learning programs
Valerija Rotar, Tamara Poklar Vatovec
University of Primorska Faculty of Health Science, Izola, Slovenia
Introduction. Demographic change and the weight of an aging society require
strategies and longterm solutions to ensure a quality life for the older genera-
tions and to maintain intergenerational solidarity at the level of sustainability of
society as a whole. Healthy and active aging is not only an indicator of health
status, but also means the inclusion of the elderly in social processes in the lo-
cal and wider community, where they have opportunities and resources to de-
velop new knowledge, skills and enrich their lives.
Methods. The survey was conducted from March to April 2021, which includ-
ed 60 self-employed elderly people from eastern Slovenia. A questionnaire on
the frequency of food and beverage consumption was used to assess their eat-
ing habits and others related to their quality of life.
Results. Older people buy food and prepare meals regularly. Less than a quar-
ter of the elderly gained weight during the pandemic often ate fried foods and
rarely ate fish, porridge and cereals. Most are concerned about the situation,
half have been vaccinated and a fifth have survived the Covid-19 viral disease.
Discussion and conclusion. The profession of dietitian is under represented in
work processes, and the inclusion of dietitian in various programs, workshops
and promotions is a great opportunity to participate and learn in the local and
wider community. Through the transfer of professional knowledge and skills,
dietitians can influence management of inappropriate eating habits that lead to
malnutrition, fragility and other metabolic deficiencies, and thus significantly af-
fect the quality of life of older people. In the process of learning and socializing,
knowledge and interpersonal relationships deepen, which is of great impor-
tance for the elderly in making their lives meaningful. A dietitian can be involved
as a professional associate at the primary level in the health system and in pro-
grams and projects aimed at raising awareness of importance of healthy eating.
Keywords: healthy aging, intergenerational cooperation, food habits, covid-19
illness
75
and learning programs
Valerija Rotar, Tamara Poklar Vatovec
University of Primorska Faculty of Health Science, Izola, Slovenia
Introduction. Demographic change and the weight of an aging society require
strategies and longterm solutions to ensure a quality life for the older genera-
tions and to maintain intergenerational solidarity at the level of sustainability of
society as a whole. Healthy and active aging is not only an indicator of health
status, but also means the inclusion of the elderly in social processes in the lo-
cal and wider community, where they have opportunities and resources to de-
velop new knowledge, skills and enrich their lives.
Methods. The survey was conducted from March to April 2021, which includ-
ed 60 self-employed elderly people from eastern Slovenia. A questionnaire on
the frequency of food and beverage consumption was used to assess their eat-
ing habits and others related to their quality of life.
Results. Older people buy food and prepare meals regularly. Less than a quar-
ter of the elderly gained weight during the pandemic often ate fried foods and
rarely ate fish, porridge and cereals. Most are concerned about the situation,
half have been vaccinated and a fifth have survived the Covid-19 viral disease.
Discussion and conclusion. The profession of dietitian is under represented in
work processes, and the inclusion of dietitian in various programs, workshops
and promotions is a great opportunity to participate and learn in the local and
wider community. Through the transfer of professional knowledge and skills,
dietitians can influence management of inappropriate eating habits that lead to
malnutrition, fragility and other metabolic deficiencies, and thus significantly af-
fect the quality of life of older people. In the process of learning and socializing,
knowledge and interpersonal relationships deepen, which is of great impor-
tance for the elderly in making their lives meaningful. A dietitian can be involved
as a professional associate at the primary level in the health system and in pro-
grams and projects aimed at raising awareness of importance of healthy eating.
Keywords: healthy aging, intergenerational cooperation, food habits, covid-19
illness
75
