To safeguard the health and safety of the elderly who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has offered some tips."Elderly people are not advised to exert extreme effort while fasting to avoid tiredness. It is normal to feel tired during the first days of fasting, but older people should see a doctor if they experience symptoms such as blurred vision, persistent pain, confusion, lightheadedness, or dizziness," said Fatima Saleh al-Kaladi, health educator, PHCC’s West Bay Health Centre.Al-Kaladi recommended eating slowly, starting with easy-to-digest vegetables, and avoiding fatty meals during the first days of fasting.Further, Iftar meal should include nutrient-rich foods to compensate for the loss of nutrients due to fasting, as the nutritious meal maintains blood sugar within a normal range and provides a source of energy necessary to perform many physical activities while fasting.Additionally, al-Kaladi advised elders to drink plenty of water after breaking their fast to provide their bodies with enough fluids during the daylight hours, thus preventing dehydration and constipation. According to the World Health Organisation, the recommended intake of water is a minimum of 10 cups between Iftar and Suhoor."Let us not overlook the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels for older persons with diabetes or blood pressure. Diabetic patients who take sugar-lowering drugs should consult their specialist healthcare provider to help ensure they get the right dose at the right time and determine if it is possible for them to safely fast, especially since consuming large quantities of food at Iftar may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels," added al-Kaladi.Exercising maintains the overall activity of the body and regulates energy according to the quantities of food consumed. The elderly may, however, struggle to exercise while fasting due to thirst or lack of food that provides the body with energy needed to exercise. Therefore, it is recommended that the elderly exercise two to three hours after breaking fast.Al-Kaladi advised older people to perform aerobic exercises, such as walking for 30 minutes, noting they should avoid exercises that require extreme effort, as this may lead to extreme tiredness or thirst.She also advised older people to have their Suhoor meal as it is beneficial for the body during the fasting hours. Fruits and vegetables high in water are recommended for this meal to help reduce thirst while fasting.
March 28, 2023 | 08:22 PM