Page 9 - Classimax Magazine - Issue #10
P. 9
Nutrition For The Elderly
Healthy eating and nutrition for such as eggs, lean meats, poulty, and upsets their stomach, and therefore
the elderly is greatly impacted by fish. they will avoid it. They should be
several factors, one of them being a getting around 1,500 mg of calcium
change in body composition. Carbs and fiber Carbohydrates are the a day, and nonfat powdered milk can
main source of energy for the entire be used in recipes as a substitute for
During the later years in life, the body. milk.
body will lose bone and muscle and You can find carbs in bread, cereals,
gain fat because the hormones aren’t pasta, and other grain products. A Other foods such as yogurt, low fat
very active anymore. There are many diet that’s high in fiber and water will cheese, and broccoli can also help you
factors which hinder an elderly help to prevent constipation as well. meet the requirements for calcium.
person’s health. Vitamin B12 In order to absorb the
Fat Fat intake for the elderly should benefits of B12, the intrinsic facotr
The information below will help you be limited, not eliminated. You can must be produced by the stomach.
to lead a healthy life - no matter how limit fat by choosing lean meats,
old you may be. low fat dairy products, and food Most elderly people suffer from a
preperation methods that don’t deficiency in B12 because they have a
Water Water in the body decreases include frying. condition known as atrophic gastritis.
with age, so many older folks will This condition causes inflammation
become dehydrated very easily. Iron For the elderly, iron deficiency of the stomach, bacterial overgrowth,
can be seen with those who aren’t and the intrinsic factor.
Sometimes they won’t feel thirsty, eating much. Good sources for iron
while other times it’s too much work include lean red meats or breakfast Without the intrinsic factor, this
to pour a glass a water. With this in cereals. Zinc Zinc intake is normally vitamin can be absorbed. Each one
mind, it’s recommended that they with the elderly, and to make matters of the above nutrients are needed to
drink at least 1 ounce of water for worse, it’s not absorbed very well keep an aged body in good health.
every 2.2 pounds of weight. either. Elderly individuals should try to stay
active and strive for a well balanced
Protein At this stage in life, protein Meat, poultry, and fish should be a diet.
is very important. Protein is needed part of your diet to help you meet
to support a healthy immune system the requirements for zinc. Calcium Even though the aged body isn’t the
and prevent the wasting of muscle. Calcium is one ingredient that most same as it used to be, proper care
Since energy needs are less, older elderly folks simply aren’t getting and the right nutrients can help the
folks should eat high quality protein enough of. Most believe that milk elderly enjoy a healthy and long life.
