Understanding Elderly Nutrition: What You Should Feed the Elderly in Your Family

by Kim Davies November 9, 2022

As people grow older, their nutritional needs will change. They will need less of some nutrients and more of others. This is due to changes in the metabolism and activity level. Adjusting their diet to ensure they get the nutrients they need is important.

An elderly's body is not as efficient at absorbing nutrients from food as it was years ago. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of their specific nutritional requirements and adjust their food choices accordingly so that their bodies get the nutrients they need for good health in older age.

If you, too, are wondering if an aging loved one is having the nutrients they need from your diet, read on as we share more information on this topic:

Why You Need to Rethink What You’re Feeding a Beloved Elderly

The body changes over the years, and we need to adjust our diets accordingly. This means getting enough of the proper nutrients to maintain good health and vitality for seniors.

The most essential nutrients for seniors are:

Protein: This is essential for keeping muscle mass and ensuring bones remain strong. Seniors need about 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight or about 75 grams per day for a 150-pound person.

Good sources of protein include beans, lean meats, fish, poultry, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

Calcium: Calcium is necessary for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. Seniors need about 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day.

Good sources of calcium include dairy products, dark leafy greens, broccoli, and calcium-fortified products such as orange juice and tofu.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body in the absorption of calcium and is essential for bone health. Seniors need about 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily.

Good sources of vitamin D are fatty fish, fortified milk, and fortified cereals.

Potassium: It is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and keeps the heart healthy. Seniors need about 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day.

Good sources of potassium include fruits and vegetables, legumes, and dairy products.

Fiber: It is essential for digestive health and preventing constipation. Seniors need about 25 grams of fiber per day.

Fiber is present in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts.

Water: Water is essential for all body functions. Seniors need about 8 cups of water per day.

Good sources of water include fruits and vegetables, soups, and juices.

In addition to getting enough of the right nutrients, seniors also need to be mindful of their intake of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. These nutrients can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.

Why It Should Be Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to diet, seniors need to focus on quality, not quantity. Instead of eating large meals, seniors should aim for smaller, more frequent meals that are nutrient-rich and easy to digest.

Should Seniors Still Focus on Weight Reduction When Planning Their Diet?

While weight reduction is an important goal, seniors should not focus on it to the exclusion of other aspects of their diet. A healthy diet is well-balanced and provides the nutrients needed for good health.

That said, seniors can do a few things to lose weight and keep it off. First, they should make sure to eat a healthy diet. This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars. Second, they should be sure to get enough exercise. This can be as simple as walking 30 minutes a day. Third, they should avoid crash and fad diets, which can be unhealthy and difficult to stick to.

Conclusion

As a person ages, the body's nutritional needs change. They might need more or fewer calories, and they may need to focus on different nutrients than they did when they were younger. That's why it's necessary to pay attention to their diet as they age and make the necessary tweaks to ensure that what they're consuming is all good for their health.

Make sure that your beloved elderly is not only getting the nutrition they need with the right food but also eating comfortably. Getting a high-quality feeding table for the elderly is the first step. Learn more tips on how you can help keep your elderly safe and healthy today from tips shared by HearGlow!