Elder Nana Kofi Owusu, a lecturer at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and nutritionist, has urged retirees and older adults to pay close attention to their dietary habits, stressing that proper nutrition is key to healthy ageing and disease prevention.
Speaking at the seminar for retired ministers, wives, and widows held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, he remarked that “the food you eat can be the highest form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”
According to him, obesity remains a major risk factor for many non-communicable diseases. He explained that as people age, their basal metabolic rate declines, making it necessary to reduce portion sizes, particularly carbohydrate intake. He advised participants against skipping meals and compensating by eating large quantities later in the day.
Elder Owusu noted that ageing is often accompanied by a reduction in lean muscle mass, body water, and overall body composition. For this reason, he encouraged the consumption of nutrient-dense foods while avoiding foods that are high in calories but low in nutritional value.
He cautioned against excessive intake of soft drinks, carbonated beverages, and highly refined foods. Instead, he recommended foods rich in fibre and essential nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, oats, barley, lentils, and whole grains. He explained that healthy fats found in seeds and nuts can contribute positively to cardiovascular health.
The nutritionist also encouraged the aged to “eat the rainbow” by consuming a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate nutrient intake. He further advised retirees to monitor their salt consumption, drink sufficient water, reduce excessive lactose intake where necessary, and incorporate soups into their meals.
He concluded by stating that dieting in old age should not be overly restrictive, encouraging participants to enjoy wholesome meals while maintaining healthy eating habits.
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