As World Senior Citizens Day shines a spotlight on the importance of ageing with health and dignity, the question arises, are our grandparents and parents eating what their bodies truly need?
According to Chaitanya Vijay Yerawadekar, Nutrition Expert, Cult, the right nutrition can be the most powerful medicine to stay strong, independent, and active in later years.
Why Seniors Need More Protein, Not Less
Chaitanya Vijay Yerawadekar explains, “Most elderly people continue to eat food as they did in their 40s, but the body undergoes changes. Muscles become thinner with age, and thus the requirement for protein actually increases. In addition to the normal dal and rice, include soft-to-eat foods like, a glass of lassi or curds with each meal, a bowl of moong dal cheela or besan chilla with breakfast in the morning, or soft paneer bhurji with rotis. Even a boiled egg or a handful of soaked chana can make a huge difference.”
By embracing protein-rich, easily digestible foods, seniors can maintain muscle strength and prevent weakness.
Common Diet Mistakes That Harm Senior Health
According to expert Yerawadekar, many seniors unknowingly develop eating habits that harm their health. ‘A biscuit with chai in the morning, skipping proper meals, or eating just rice at night, does that sound familiar?’ he explains.
‘Some elderly people also avoid milk, believing it causes weight gain. But by doing so, they miss out on essential calcium and vitamin D, which makes their bones brittle. Another common mistake is drinking too little water to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom. This habit only worsens constipation and leaves the body feeling weak and tired.’
Food That Keeps the Brain Sharp After 60
Forgetfulness is often mistaken as natural ageing. Yerawadekar clarifies, “Forgetfulness is not ‘normal ageing,’ it’s often diet-related. Omega-3s in flaxseed chutney, walnuts, or fish curry keep memory on point. Curd, milk, eggs, and fish’s B12 keeps nerves and balance intact. Neon-hued sabzis like carrots, beetroot, spinach, and tomatoes provide antioxidants that protect brain cells.”
Nutrition that fuels the brain is essential to avoid memory decline and cognitive diseases.
Eating Right Without Overcomplicating
Yerawadekar says, “Good food does not have to be extravagant. Dal served in a bowl, a little flax chutney, a glass of buttermilk, and a few saags of sabzi on the plate can sustain the activity levels, energy, and mental sharpness of seniors. The key is not to eat less but to eat correctly.”
The emphasis is not on cutting down portions, but on making every meal count nutritionally.