Be active: a food-based dietary guideline for elderly South Africans

South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Carin Napier¹  Sanjoy Saha²  Wilna Oldewage-Theron³ 

[1] Department of Food & Nutrition Consumer Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Afric;Centre for Longitudinal Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealan;Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United State;Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United State;Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Afric;

关键词: elderly;    physical activity;    health;    chronic diseases;    South Africa;   

DOI  :  10.1080/16070658.2021.1947038

来源: Taylor & Francis

【 摘 要 】

of this paper is to support the ‘Be active!’ food-based dietary guideline (FBDG) for South Africans of seven years and older by means of a technical guideline regarding physical activity (PA) specifically for the elderly. Optimal nutrition and physical activity (PA) are essential to ensure healthy ageing. PA is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle; however; the rate of low PA in the elderly (59.7%) is high in South Africa (SA). Regular PA reduces the risks of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and cancers. Therefore, this review study aims to gather available information concerning PA and suitable methods to promote PA among the elderly in SA. Lack of environmental support for PA, trainers, PA-educated caregivers, poor knowledge about the recommended level of PA and its benefits, lack of motivation by healthcare providers, poor health and nutritional status, and lack of opportunity for social engagement prevent the elderly from participating in PA. Elderly individuals without any physical challenges should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic PA in a week, or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA or an equivalent combination of both types of aerobic PA. It is better to start PA slowly and increase the duration and frequency gradually. Even those who have some disease limitations should try to change their status from ‘inactive or no activity’ to ‘some level of activity’ to enjoy the health benefits of PA. More research and programmes focusing on promotion of PA need to be implemented in order to improve PA among the elderly in SA.

【 授权许可】

CC BY