Nutrition For The Elderly

Nutrition for the elderly and healthy eating is greatly impacted by several factors, one of them being a change in body composition.

The body will lose muscle and bone and gain fat because the hormones aren't very active anymore during the later years in life.

There are many factors which hinder an elderly person's health. The information on nutrition for the elderly below will help you to lead a healthier life - regardless of how old you may be.

Protein Rich Food

At this stage in life, protein is very important. Protein rich food is needed to support a healthy immune system and prevent the wasting of muscle. Since energy needs are less, older folks should eat high quality protein such as eggs, fish, lean meats and poultry.

Drink Sufficient Water

With age water in the body decreases, so many older folks will become dehydrated very easily. Sometimes they won't feel thirsty, while other times it's too much work to pour a glass a water.

With this in mind, it's recommended that they drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of weight.

Carbohydrate Food and High Fiber Food

Carbohydrate food is the main source of energy for the entire body. You can find Carbohydrates (carbs) in cereals, bread, pasta, and other grain products. A diet that's high in fiber and water will help to prevent constipation as well.

Daily Fat Intake

When it comes to nutrition for the elderly, remember fat intake should be limited, not eliminated. You can limit fat by choosing low fat dairy products, lean meat and food preparation methods which exclude frying.

Iron Intake

For the elderly, iron deficiency can be seen with those who aren't eating much. Good sources for iron include breakfast cereals or lean red meats.

Food With Zinc

Zinc intake is normally deficient with the elderly, and to make matters worse, it's not absorbed very well either. Fish, meat, and poultry should be a part of your diet to help you meet the requirements for zinc. If necessary, zinc supplement can help those with zinc deficiency.

Calcium Rich Food

Most elderly folks simply aren't getting enough of calcium. Calcium is found in milk but most believe that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore they will avoid it.

They should be getting around 1,500 mg of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered milk can be used in recipes as a substitute for milk.

Other foods such as broccoli, low fat cheese, and yogurt can also help you meet the requirements for calcium as they are calcium rich food.

Vitamin B12

The intrinsic factor must be produced by the stomach before the body can absorb the benefits of B12. Most elderly people suffer from a deficiency in vitamin B12 because they have a condition known as atrophic gastritis.

This condition causes inflammation of the stomach, bacterial overgrowth, and the intrinsic factor. Without the intrinsic factor, this vitamin can be absorbed.

Each one of the above nutrients are needed to keep an aged body in good health. Elderly individuals should try to strive for a well balanced diet and stay active.

Even though the aged body isn't the same as it used to be, proper care and the right nutrition for the elderly can help them enjoy a healthier and longer life.