IAC (028) 35 11 33 33 Emergency (028) 35 11 35 00 Geriatrics Nutrition and Healthy Ageing IAC (028) 35 11 33 33 Emergency (028) 35 11 35 00 Geriatrics Nutrition and Healthy Ageing Sub: What you eat in your later years directly shapes how well you live them. Sub: What you eat in your later years directly shapes how well you live them. Nutritional needs change significantly with age. Appetite often decreases while the need for key nutrients, particularly protein, calcium, vitamin D, and B12, increases. Chronic diseases, medications, dental problems, and reduced mobility all affect what a person can eat and absorb. Left unaddressed, these gaps quietly erode muscle mass, immune function, energy levels, and the ability to recover from illness or surgery. At FV, nutrition is not an afterthought. It is built into every care plan from the beginning. Our nutrition team works closely with the geriatrics service to: Screen for malnutrition and unintentional weight loss using validated assessment tools Assess swallowing function and adapt diets accordingly Build practical, enjoyable meal plans that fit each patient's health conditions, preferences, and daily routine Manage nutritional support for patients recovering from surgery or a significant illness Address obesity and metabolic syndrome in older adults, where caloric restriction alone is rarely the right answer FV’s healthy ageing seminar programme, covering nutrition and musculoskeletal health strategies for the elderly, reflects our belief that the best care is also education. We equip patients and families with the knowledge to make better decisions every day, not just during a clinic visit. [Note to FV team – Important: Please confirm whether a formal nutritional screening tool such as the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) is used for elderly patients at FV, and whether any data from the 2024 seminar can be cited here.] —
