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