All You Need to Know About Nutrition in the Elderly

Metabolism changes with age, which is one of the reasons a senior’s nutritional needs vary drastically from those of his or her younger counterparts. As they progress in age, older adults may need more protein and fiber and less carbohydrates. Richardson home care experts share a few important details about nutrition in the elderly.

The Impact of Aging on Nutritional Needs

Age-related changes can impact the body’s ability to process food and affect the appetite. One of the primary reasons for changing nutritional needs in seniors is a decrease in metabolism. Seniors are not as active as their younger counterparts, making it difficult for them to burn calories. Older adults who lead sedentary lifestyles have much lower nutritional needs than active seniors.

With age, the digestive fluids in the body tend to decrease. Falling digestive fluid levels make it difficult for seniors to absorb essential nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid from the bloodstream. Changes in appetite can also decrease the quantity of digestive fluids in the body.

Emotional health also impact appetite. Seniors who feel depressed, lonely, and neglected tend to lose interest in eating. In some cases, depression leads to other unhealthy habits such as developing eating disorders and becoming overweight.

Eating Habits Seniors Should Follow

Switching to a healthy diet full of proteins, vitamins, and minerals is one of the best ways for seniors to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Older adults who eat healthy foods can also lower their risk of developing constipation, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Nutritional foods also help in maintaining a healthy weight and boosting overall energy levels.

The DASH diet includes all the essential nutrients older adults need, and it is designed to help seniors lower their blood pressure levels by emphasizing on eating heart healthy foods. The diet includes consuming up to:

· 8 ounces of grain

· 6 ounces of chicken, meat, and fish

· 5 servings of seeds, nuts, and dry beans

· 3 cups of milk

· 2 cups of vegetables

· 2 cups of fruits

· 2 teaspoons of healthy oils

How to Boost Nutritional Health

Seniors who want to boost their nutritional health should stick to healthy fats such as those found in avocados, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Older adults should avoid tans fat and saturated fat. To ensure adequate hydration, seniors should drink up to eight glasses of water on a daily basis.

By adding grains to their diets, seniors can increase their bowel movements and keep constipation and other digestive issues at bay. Whole-grains contain essential fiber that prevents a wide variety of medical conditions such as hypertension and high blood sugar levels.