The gerontologist Miguel Anxo Álvarez presents his book ‘Food, older people and active aging’ in CórdobaCORDOVA
The gerontologist and specialist in nutrition and dietetics Miguel Anxo Álvarez González This Thursday, with the help of the Federation of Pensioners and Retirees of CCOO of Córdoba, he presented the third edition of his book Food, older people and active aging, which has been published by the Provincial Council of Córdoba, whose president, Salvador Fuentes, has agreed with the Secretary General of the aforementioned federation, Cándido Jiménez, in the importance of acquiring healthy habits for the maintenance of health and to contribute to active aging.
The general secretary of the Federation of Pensioners and Retirees of CCOO of Córdoba, Candido Jimenezhighlighted that one of the objectives of the union federation is promote knowledge of the culture, health and well-being of older people as well as active aging, aspects that are influenced by Álvarez’s book, who explained that “60% of the causes of death are related to things that enter through the mouth: food, tobacco, alcohol and pollution”, hence the importance of having healthy eating habits. to enjoy a healthier and more active old age.
Álvarez pointed out that “advances in science, technology and, of course, health and hygiene measures, have made it possible to expand the diet with foods that were previously unthinkable and turn the act of eating, not only into a necessity for living, but also a source of pleasure to which unrepeatable events in life are linked. It is evident that some dietary habits imposed by modern life contribute to wrong habits are acquired that distance us from adequate food and nutritionHowever, there is no need to worry too much, since there are solutions.”
In this sense, he indicated that “we must keep in mind that as we age, we experience many changes and we may have to adjust our lifestyles to have healthy aging. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can be key to good health at any age. Choose a suitable lifestyle too can prevent some health problems, such as diabetesheart disease and some cancers. As we age, the body begins to need fewer calories but the same amount of nutrients. Therefore, you should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, which are those that contain a high amount of vitamins, minerals, or other substances that your body needs, but a lower amount of calories. The amount of food and drinks you should consume each day will depend on your weight, sex, age, metabolism and level of activity, chronic diseases and medication intake.”
Food labeling
The expert also made reference to food labeling, which he said is “a useful tool in the communication of nutritional information. It is considered that it may have the potential to influence food choices as well as the eating habits of consumers.” In short, “reading food labels helps us make decisions that adapt to individual needs and preferences, compare products to choose the most appropriate alternatives and know the substances or products that cause food allergies or intolerances. All of this allows safe purchases to be made and safe conservation, use and consumption of food to be carried out in accordance with a healthy diet, especially taking into account health, economic, environmental, social and ethical considerations,” added Miguel. Anxo Álvarez González.
The book presents basic concepts about human nutrition and the types of foods and exemplifies how a balanced diet should be organized, giving useful examples based on the characteristics and needs of each person. In addition, it includes a chapter on the labeling of food products and another dedicated to vitamins.
