Dietician and author Ngaire Hobbins addresses conference

There was good news for the audience at the Shoalhaven Women’s Conference when they heard that we should try and not lose weight as we get older, and forget about worrying about low-fat foods.

In fact, dietician and author Ngaire Hobbins, with her book Eat to Cheat Ageing, has turned many preconceptions about diet and older people on their head.

Ngaire advocates protein at every meal for those over the age of 65, explaining that as we age our muscles lose their ability to efficiently hang onto and preserve proteins.

She said the elderly are at great risk of malnutrition and she believes many health problems and hospital admissions  could be avoided by correct advice on food.

“Your nutrition needs are very different after the age of 65,” she said.

“My dream is to get hospitals and health services to tell people what to eat.

“Not so long ago 70 was considered old – now it’s the time for travel and socialising and spending time with the grandkids. “But health messages for younger adults are not always appropriate for those 65 plus.

“In fact, following them without adjusting for the unique needs of ageing bodies can instead cause harm resulting in physical and mental decline.”

While physical activity was essential at all stages of life, she said in older people weight loss was not a good sign.

She also devotes a chapter in her book to appetite, and said for those caring for older people it’s very important to get them to eat.

“Ask them what was their favourite food as a child and give them that,” she said. “Even if it’s icecream. That will stimulate their appetite.”

Her book recommends lots of bright colours on every plate to provide anti-oxidants and said to forget about the low fat products.

“If they’ve always had butter, give them butter.”

She said older people should be enjoying independent, productive lives in their later years and proper nutrition can maximise both body and brain function through the years.