The Geriatric Department at Sunrise Hospital is headed by Dr Manoj C Jacob and functions with the primary focus of providing holistic care to the elderly population and imparting a sense of comfort to family members and caregivers. The department aims to promote better quality of life by prevention and treatment of disabilities and diseases. The team is comprised of expert Geriatricians that work in tandem with a Nutritionist, Occupational therapist, Speech and hearing specialist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist and Psychiatrist, thus possessing the expertise to carry out assessments, comprehensive geriatric evaluations and appropriate management of healthcare requirements that are unique to the elderly population, such as Cognitive impairments, falls, Incontinence etc.
We strive to treat every patient with dignity and provide them with quality services, along with respecting their privacy and confidentiality.
The process of ageing brings physiological changes like decrease in metabolism, memory, vision, capacity to learn and behavioural changes. Older individuals are more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients and they need to make an effort to meet the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for these nutrients. As you age, it is good to eat food that is as close to its natural form as possible and minimise processed foods.
Fruits:
Improve physical function and lower risk of heart disease. Seasonal fruits and locally available fruits like Grape fruit, Amla, Banana, Citrus fruits, Melons, Avocado, Apple, Mango, Papaya. High fiber and anti-oxidant rich fruits can be provided. Diabetics can take Apple, Guava, Pomegranate, Robusta, Orange, Musambi, Passion fruit, Water melon, Papaya (2-3 pieces) Any one fruit can be taken per day,preferably as whole fruit and not in juice form.
Vegetables:
High fiber vegetables stimulate intestinal motility and prevent constipation and improves blood sugar level. Take three servings daily (A standard serve is 150g in a day) High Fibre VegetablesincludeGreen leafy vegetables (spinach), cauli flower, Beans, Carrot, sweet potatoes, Broccoli, peas, cabbage. Most vegetables are rich in fiber.Diabetics should avoid Potatoes, Carrot, Beetroot and underground roots. Vegetables cooked with lots of added butter/cheese or oil and canned vegetables should be avoided.
Calcium:
Help to maintain bone strength and keep bones healthy during older age. Calcium rich food include Milk and milk products, Dark green vegetables, White beans, Soya milk, Egg, Shell fishes, Sea foods (shell fishes), calcium fortified cereals. Calcium supplements or tabletsmay be required for older persons
Grains:
Whole grains provide fiber and most nutrients. They are a good source of carbohydrates, some proteins and a variety of vitamins and minerals.Sources of grains are Barley, Brown rice, Wheat, Rice, Flak seed, Corn meal, Millets, Oats and Oat meal.
Healthy Fats:
Foods low in saturated fats helps to reduced heart diseases and also to reduce inflammation and build up cell membrane. Sources of Fat: Walnut, flax seed, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, olive oil, vegetable oil, Fish oil
Protein:
Protein helps to repair and build up the body tissues. It also helps in weight management and cardiovascular function and improves muscle health Sources of Protein: Egg white, pulses& Legumes, milk and milk products, Green leafy vegetables, small fishes, Nuts, Soy milk, Lean meats (chicken & duck), soya chunks
Vitamins:
esp vit B12 and vit D Vitamin B12 helps to maintain the nerve system working well.Vitamin D helps to keep bone strong. Food rich in vitamins or supplements have to be taken.
Water:
Water helps to keep the urinary tract and kidneys healthy and prevents constipation. Daily fluid intake 2-3 L/ day. For those with kidney or liver disease Urine output + 500 ml
Exercise:
Regular exercise improved immune and digestive functioning, lowers blood pressure and improves bone density. There is also a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.Older adults should include stretching and balance activities as part of their weekly physical activity.