engleski

Mediterranean diet as a model of preventive diet for older people.

Croatian population is aging progressively and according to its demographic structure of aging it has all the characteristics of European western countries what classifies it in the fourth group of European countries with very old population according to the UN classification. According to 2001 census in Croatia the share of people over 65 years of age is 15.62% from total population (N=4437460) with age-sex differentiation (males 12.41% and females 18.61%) what is rather dramatic. Public health gerontological analysis in Croatia points to the fact that in the course of last several decades the rate of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases is increasing what causes an increase in the number of functionally disabled older people from 65 years of age to 74. According to the present-day understanding based on a large number of gerontological and epidemiological researches, healthy regular diet of the elderly rich in nutrients and fibers, which can also meet the reduced energy needs of older people, contribute to the prevention and decrease of a great number of chronic diseases, preserving health and functional capacity of the elderly, increasing their quality of life and in this way increasing health of the entire population. There are evident health benefits of Mediterranean diet because this kind of diet can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases with the possibility of changing genetic predisposition, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dental decay and certain cancers. What is more, gerontological researches have indicated that the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with significant reduction in overall mortality of elderly population in developed non– Mediterranean countries. Mediterranean diet should be applied to special programs made for vulnerable population groups (children and older people) so as to ensure active and healthy ageing of the population. There is also need for continual education of population but special attention should be given to the education of experts in the field of healthy diet. Gerontological and public health indicators undoubtedly suggest that the combination of beneficial Mediterranean diet and physical activity can ensure active, healthy ageing of both Croatian and European elderly population.

Older people; Mediterranean diet; preventive diet; cardiovascular diseases; education; healthy ageing

nije evidentirano