Older cars need more regular attention and so might your diet if you have quite a few kilometers on the clock these days. That’s the message New Zealand registered dietitian Kaye Dennison first made in a November 2009 New Zealand Nutrition Foundation seminar ‘Nutrition risk in older people: making meals matter’. Ms Dennison’s work with older people means she regularly sees those who have not reassessed their eating habits as they age, resulting in malnutrition. She suggests the following Warrant of Fitness (WOF) diet checklist:

• If your belt, rings or watch seem a bit loose and you’ve lost weight unintentionally, talk to your doctor or practice nurse.
• Ask to be weighed whenever you visit the surgery or medical centre.
• If you start on new medication, ask your doctor if it is likely to affect your appetite, taste or smell. These factors can all affect how you eat.

Staying fit and well depends on good nutrition, which means good quality food even if the quantity is less. The Ministry of Health recommends older New Zealanders eat foods giving them more calcium, vitamins D and B12, folic acid and magnesium. An extra milky drink or a nourishing bowl of creamy meat and vegetable soup can make all the difference. “Next time your car is due for a WOF, give yourself a check-up too and take a look at what you’re eating,” Ms Dennison advised.

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