Nourishing the Golden Age: Caring for our elderly with dignity and love
Caring for older adults has always held a special place in my heart. As a dietitian and public health professional, I believe that every stage of life deserves attention and dignity, especially the golden years.
That is why I was truly honoured to be a guest on the Consulting Room program, hosted by the compassionate Rev. Rose Aduful on Wesleyan Television, the national broadcast arm of the Methodist Church Ghana.
ur discussion focused on a topic that is often overlooked but deeply important: how we nourish and care for the elderly in our communities. In Ghana and many other parts of the world, older adults are too often neglected or pushed to the background, when in fact they are the pillars of wisdom, heritage, and strength. They deserve not just to live longer, but to live well—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
During the program, we spoke in depth about how aging changes the body. As people grow older, their nutritional needs evolve. Appetite may decline, digestion may slow, and the body becomes more vulnerable to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. I shared insights on how proper nutrition can help prevent and manage these non-communicable diseases.
It is essential to ensure that older adults receive balanced meals rich in protein to maintain muscle health, carbohydrates for energy, healthy fats for brain function, as well as vital nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are not just for survival—they are necessary for strength, independence, and a good quality of life.
Beyond nutrition, we discussed the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being. Rev. Rose beautifully highlighted how prayer and spiritual connection provide comfort and purpose to older adults. I added that good food alone is not enough—older people need to feel loved, valued, and included. They should not be left alone or ignored. Their happiness and mental health greatly improve when they feel connected to family and community.
I encouraged families to spend more time with their elderly loved ones: take them for walks, sit with them for meals, invite them to family outings. Even simple acts like talking with them, sharing laughter, or helping them with chores can make a big difference. Let them feel like an important part of the household. Loneliness is a silent danger for the aged—but togetherness is powerful medicine.
We also shared practical advice on preparing meals that are safe, easy to chew and digest, and on storing food properly to prevent contamination. I emphasized that preparing nutritious food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—what matters most is that it’s wholesome and made with love.
Being on Wesleyan Television gave me a beautiful platform to speak about something I care deeply about: the health and well-being of our elderly population. These are men and women who have worked hard all their lives, raised families, built communities, and contributed to our nation. It is now our responsibility to ensure they are treated with kindness, care, and respect.
As a dietitian and public health advocate, I am committed to continuing this conversation and doing my part to improve the lives of older adults in Ghana and beyond. Let us all remember: growing old should not mean being forgotten. It should mean being celebrated, supported, and surrounded by love.
Let’s nourish our elders in body, mind, and spirit.
The writer is a Registered Dietitian & Public Health Professional
