Best Nutrition Tips For The Elderly

Several factors, including a change in body composition, significantly impact healthy eating and nutrition for the elderly. During the later years of life, the body will lose bone and muscle and gain fat because the hormones aren’t very active anymore.

Many factors 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 quickly become dehydrated. 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 muscle wasting. Since energy needs are less, older folks should eat high-quality protein such as eggs, lean meats, poultry, and fish.

Carbs and fiber
Carbohydrates are the primary 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 preparation methods that don’t include frying.

Iron
Iron deficiency can be seen in the elderly, who don’t eat much. Good sources of iron include lean red meats or breakfast cereals.

Zinc
Zinc intake is regular for the elderly; 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 so that 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
To absorb the benefits of B12, the stomach must produce the intrinsic factors. Most elderly people suffer from a deficiency in B12 because they have a condition known as atrophic gastritis. This condition causes stomach inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, and the intrinsic factor. Without the intrinsic factor, this vitamin can be absorbed.

Each of the above nutrients is needed to keep an aged body healthy. 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.