New Delhi, October 16 (IANS). Research has revealed that socially isolated seniors are more likely to be deficient in nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6, which increases their risk of health problems.
Researchers at University College London found that people who are more socially isolated have an increased risk of health problems. They are mainly deficient in magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folate and vitamin B6.
These micronutrients are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils) and fish.
“This is important because inadequate intake of these micronutrients puts people at greater risk of health problems as they age,” said Andrew Steptoe, Professor of UCL Behavioral Sciences and Health, in the study published in the journal Age & Aging.
This research also says that if people are isolated, and there is no one around them who can give them information about staying healthy.
The authors said that older people tend to stick to the same type of food in their diet. He does not change his diet.
The researchers used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, which asked nationally representative people in England to answer a series of questions over two years. Respondents were given a score based on how socially isolated they were. Apart from this, he was asked how often he meets friends and relatives outside his home and whether he goes to any club.
The research team tracked participants’ exposure to socially isolated and nine important micronutrients.
The research said social isolation was not associated with deficiencies in the micronutrients calcium, iron and vitamin B12, which are mainly obtained from meat, eggs and dairy. This suggests that those in the study who were less socially connected may be more likely to have a traditional diet with fewer vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes.
–IANS
MKS/AS
