Notice on NHFPC releasing core information about elderly health

By Feng Hui

(en.nhfpc.gov.cn)

Updated: 2014-10-23

NHFPC (2014) No.885

Health and family planning commissions in provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and the bureau of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:

To strengthen health awareness among the elderly, carry out health education for the elderly, appeal to society to care for the elderly and upgrade elderly health conditions, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) has compiled the core information about elderly health. It is being released to local departments for reference.

The general office of the NHFPC

October 7, 2014

Core information for elderly health

1. Have a positive attitude to aging and growing old

Old people should strengthen their self-healthcare awareness, learn self-monitoring knowledge and master self-management skills in order to detect diseases timely, give correct treatment, and maintain organ function when the disease is in middle and terminal stages.

2. Rational diet, balanced nutrition

Old people should eat regularly and quantitatively. Their daily food should include grains, beans, tubers, animal products, vegetables, fruits, milk, dairy products and nuts, controlling the intake of oil and salt. It is suggested that old people should have three meals and two snacks in the forenoon and afternoon, among which breakfast accounts for 30 percent of energy, lunch for 40 percent, and supper for 30 percent.

3. Moderate exercise, step by step

Old people should choose moderate sports, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, dancing and taichi. The best time for exercise is 10:00am to 11:00am and 3:00pm to 5:00pm with each session lasting 30 to 60 minutes.

4. Quit smoking early, limit drinking

Old people should stop smoking as early as they can. Drinking also should be limited. Avoid drinking hard liquor above 45 proof, and do not drink too much.