The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-05-20

this problem is pressing. The first
is that people in the old-age
groups should not be regarded as
those who have passed their use
fulness and can be put off with
anything that is left over.
Those over sixty constitute a
larger population group than ever
before in the history of our coun-
try. They are still able to do a
great deal of work and can take
the place in industry Of younger
men and women who have been
called to war work-provided they
are given good nourishment.
The dominant thought of most
people about elderly peoples food
is that they should be abstemious.
This has no scientific foundation
and is probably directly harmful.
The picture of the tea-and-toast
schedule for Grandma is out.
NODDED.
The idea summarized in the
phrase, less food for old people,
hinges on the fallacy that for them
energy is so curtailed that starch
es, vegetables, some fat and a
minimum of protein intake should
suffice. In that way old people ex-
ist, but do not live. If we wish
TO make them efficient, we must
give them a full, well-balanced
diet.
Food Habits Formed
Another factor in the problem
can be pointed up by comparing
infant feeding with old-age feed
ing. The baby has formed no food
habits; he can be fed the most
vigorously scientific diet and he
will take it because he is under
control. Old people have usually
formed very definite food habits,
prejudices and likes. and if there
is any one principle in the treat
ment of the aged, it is that sudden
changes are bad for them.
Protein, which is most easily
obtained in animal foods-meat,
milk and eggs-is necessary for
elderly people at the same ratio
as for others: about l gram per
kilo of body weight, which would
be for the person of average
weight, 1/6 pound per day. The
idea that protein adds to the dis
comfort Of arthritis, chronic rheu-
matism or increases the hazards
of heart disease, high blood pres
sure, kidney disease and apoplexy
has long been outmoded.
Fat, on the other hand, is likely
10 be harmful in the diseases just
mentioned and if there is any one
particular part of the old-age
dietary which should be cut down
it is in the department of fat.
Dietary Suggestions
The following dietary sugges-
tions for the old have just been
published by the American Medi-
cal Association:
Elderly people should start the
day with a good breakfast. 1t
should include some substantial
protein, and whatever else de-
ponds on body weight and activity.
Elderly people should eat fat
sparingly, even as the middle-aged
should use it cautiously.
Tea and coffee are useful slim
ulants.
Food and water (hot drink
taken at regular intervals revive
the old. Food is the best sleep pro-
Queer even though early wakeful-
ness follows.
Hunger lessons as age sd-
vances. Condiments, broth and
-elishes have a definite place.
"Vitamin storage begins to fail
with age. We are able to compen-
safe for these losses with vitamins
(fruit juices, green vegetables),
iron (spinach), calcium (milk)
and balanced diet"
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
X. Y. Z.:-Would it be harmful
to the unborn child for an expect
ant mother TO have one or two
teeth filled?
Answer: No, and such care Is
extremely important to the fu-
ture health Of the mother.