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• Modern Guidelines for Nutrition in Old Age: The Role of Preventive Diets in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases

  Brigitta Horváth

  Attila Péter Szabó

  Orsolya Savella

  Views:

  15

  Increased life expectancy, coupled with declining fertility rates, is leading to a global demographic shift towards an ageing population. The number of older people (aged 60 and over) is expected to more than double by 2050 and more than triple by 2100. From an individual perspective, this is a positive development, but at the societal level it poses a number of challenges in terms of managing people's health, quality of life, and economic circumstances. Although life expectancy is increasing, for many people the quality of life is declining, which can have a negative impact on both health and social institutions. The nutritional needs of older people differ from those of younger people, mainly due to age-related physiological changes. Their calorie requirements may decrease due to slower metabolism and reduced physical activity, but their requirements for certain macro- and micronutrients may increase. With advancing age, the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases increas, as does the risk of osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and disability. In order to maintain health in old age and prevent the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, it is important to reduce the intake of simple carbohydrates (to a maximum of 10% of total carbohydrate intake) and saturated fatty acids (to a maximum of 20–25 g per day), while ensuring adequate protein intake (1.0–1.2 g per kg of body weight) and consuming at least 400 g of fruit and vegetables per day. The salt intake of Hungarian seniors also significantly exceeds the recommended level (instead of 2 g per day, men over 65 consume 6.2 g and women consume 4.7 g), and fluid intake is insufficient, too (the recommended amount is 35 ml per kg of body weight). Among preventive strategies, nutrition is critical, yet it is currently underrepresented in the healthcare system and does not receive sufficient emphasis in care processes. A personalized healthy diet has significant benefits for older adults and can prevent, modify, or improve many age-related diseases and conditions. This review focuses on issues related to the nutrition and nutritional needs of older adults based on the latest guidelines. It also presents the most common complications resulting from poor nutrition and the possibilities for diet therapy.

• The role of geriatric readaptation in improving the condition of the non-rehabilitable elderly

  66-72

  Eszter Majercsik

  Views:

  284

  Rehabilitation is significantly more difficult for people over the age of 65 and suffering from multiple chronic diseases than for younger people. In case of acute events or the worsening of existing diseases, it is an important professional question to determine how suitable the patient is for rehabilitation. Based on the complex examination of diagnosis, prognosis and rehabilitation, the primary consideration for individuals who cannot be rehabilitated is to maintain their independence as long as possible, which goes hand in hand with a better quality of life. This is helped by geriatric readaptation, the widest possible introduction and application of which is crucial for the elderly.

• Theoretical Foundations of Learning Programs Supporting Successful Aging in the Context of Social Services

  90-117

  Viktória Virágh

  Views:

  192

  In the Decade of Healthy Ageing, healthy and successful aging can also be promoted through social services and care provided to the elderly. It is necessary to support and develop those functional abilities that allow the elderly to meet their needs in their own environment. Since the 1960s, models of healthy and successful aging have continuously shifted in a positive direction, expanded, and coexisted. Today, the lives of older people can be supported in very complex ways along the dimensions defined by these models. It has also become increasingly emphasized that the expected lifespan in good health can be extended to later ages, but chronic diseases and the decline of functional abilities cannot be avoided. For the oldest elderly, who often require social assistance, the process of adaptation to changes is the most necessary and feasible to support. Both adaptation and the maintenance of abilities can be best supported through education and learning. In social institutions, didactically grounded learning programs tailored to the abilities of elderly residents can be integrated into their daily routines as part of therapeutic care. The involvement of professionals working with the elderly is essential for the development and practical application of these programs. The strategy of action research provides an opportunity for learning programs that can be effectively applied in the social sector to develop and be implemented in a collaborative, action-oriented process. In my study, I present the theoretical foundation of this conceptual framework.

• Magyar Gerontológia/Hungarian Geronotology 17(44) 2025 Full Issue

  Edina Molnár

  Views:

  5

  Dear Reader,

  It is with great pleasure that I present the latest 2025 issue of Magyar Gerontológia/Hungarian Gerontology, which explores the multifaceted nature of modern old age and the various opportunities to promote active aging. The aim of this issue is to provide an interdisciplinary framework for discussing the physical, psychological, and social factors that fundamentally determine the quality of life for older generations.

  The professional spectrum of this volume ranges from clinical prevention to digital leisure activities:

  • Physical Health and Prevention: You can read detailed analyses of the effectiveness of training programs designed to treat presarcopenia, as well as modern nutritional guidelines that play a key role in preventing chronic diseases.

  • Psychological Wellbeing and Methodology: We present the importance of interventions based on self-compassion in emotional adaptation. Additionally, we explore how the method of storytelling can support cognitive-behavioral therapy processes in overcoming anxiety.

  • The Digital World and Innovation: Special attention is paid to the role of online games and digital leisure, which serve as new tools for active aging by helping to maintain cognitive functions and social connections.

  • Social Challenges and Inclusion: Our authors address the hidden faces of elderly poverty in Hungary, as well as the specific care needs and fears of older adults belonging to marginalized groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Systemic Approaches: We examine the role of health cooperation and public-private partnerships in developing care systems, arguing for a holistic and participatory model of care.

  I trust that the studies published in this issue will provide valuable theoretical and practical guidance for professionals, researchers, and all readers committed to improving the quality of life for the elderly.

  On behalf of the editorial board, I wish you a useful and thought-provoking read!

  Edina Molnar, Editor-in-Chief