March 20, 2025
🌙 Nutrition for Older Adults During Ramadan: How Aged Care Providers Can Support Residents During This Celebration
As a provider, how do you support aged care residents who are fasting during Ramadan? Managing nutrition and hydration during long fasting periods is crucial, particularly for older adults who may have chronic conditions, dysphagia, or increased hydration needs.
Here’s how aged care providers can respect cultural needs while ensuring health and wellbeing.
Key Considerations for Fasting Residents in Aged Care:
✔ Assess Suitability for Fasting: Consult with healthcare professionals regarding medication adjustments and individual needs.
✔ Modify Meal Plans: Offer nutrient-dense meals at Suhoor (pre-dawn) and Iftar (post-sunset) with adequate protein, fibre, and hydration.
✔ Hydration Strategies: Encourage fluid-rich foods like soups, stews, hydrating fruits (watermelon, oranges), and electrolyte-balanced drinks.
✔ Balanced Suhoor Meals: Prioritise slow-digesting foodslike oats, Greek yogurt, and eggs to sustain energy.
✔ Healthy Iftar Practices: Avoid excessive fried foods; instead, provide wholesome disheswith lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Article by Catalina Larach, Senior Dietitian and Team Leader
