Monday, 19 April 2021
Successful ageing is dependent on many components, including genetics, health status, active living and social interaction. On retirement, people in good health can look forward to entering the ‘golden years’ of their third age, filled with many possibilities and interests.
The Department of Health has requested that the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland provide an evidence-based report to underpin food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) for older adults living in Ireland, outlining the nutritional issues related to ageing. Older adults living in Ireland are defined as those aged 65 years and older and have been divided into four subgroups by the Department of Health. These are as follows:
1. Healthy older person living independently
2. Older person with compromised mobility and/or with comorbidities and living independently
3. Semi-independent older person
4. Older person dependent on residential care.
The recommendations outlined in each section of this report apply to all four of the Department of Health subgroups of older adults, unless otherwise stated.
