Nutrition
For The Elderly
Healthy eating and nutrition for the elderly is greatly
impacted by several factors, one of them being a change in body
composition. During the later years in life, the body will lose
bone and muscle and gain fat
because the hormones aren't very active anymore.
There are many factors which hinder an elderly person's health.
The information below will help you to lead a healthy life - no
matter how old you may be.
Water
Water in the body decreases with age,
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.
Protein
At this stage in life, protein is
very important. Protein 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, lean meats, poulty, and fish.
Carbs and fiber
Carbohydrates are the main
source of energy for the entire body. You can find carbs in
bread, cereals, pasta, and other grain products. A diet that's
high in fiber and water will help to prevent constipation as
well.
Fat
Fat
intake for the elderly should be limited, not eliminated.
You can limit fat by choosing lean meats, low fat dairy
products, and food preperation methods that don't include
frying.
Iron
For the elderly, iron deficiency can
be seen with those who aren't eating much. Good sources for
iron include lean red meats or breakfast cereals.
Zinc
Zinc intake is normally with the
elderly, and to make matters worse, it's not absorbed very well
either. Meat, poultry, and fish should be a part of your diet
to help you meet the requirements for zinc.
Calcium
Calcium is one ingredient that most
elderly folks simply aren't getting enough of. 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 yogurt, low fat cheese, and broccoli can
also help you meet the requirements for calcium.
Vitamin B12
In order to absorb the benefits of B12, the intrinsic facotr
must be produced by the stomach. Most elderly people suffer
from a deficiency in 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 stay active
and strive for a well balanced diet.
Even though the aged body isn't the same as it used to be,
proper care and the right nutrients can help the elderly enjoy
a healthy and long life.
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