Nutrition Information for seniors
Nutrient deficiencies appear to increase with age. Some
colleagues at the University of Iowa looked at over 400 Iowans 79 and older
living independently in rural areas and found that 80 percent reported
consuming inadequate amounts of four or more nutrients.
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When declining energy requirements are not matched by
decreased caloric intake then total body fat increases. The Atkins diet leaves
your body shy on some important nutrients, such as vitamin B, and also is
negative for vitamins A, C and D, anti-oxidants that slow the effects of aging
and calcium. Once again the lack of exercise has to enter into the equation
also.
Nutritional status may be further compromised by other
problems in conjunction with the illness, such as trauma, surgery, infection
drug therapy which alter nutrient requirements. This makes recovery even more
difficult. Each one of the above nutrients is needed to keep an aged body in
good health. Elderly individuals should try to strive for a well-balanced diet
and stay active. Adequate dietary fiber, as opposed to increased use of
laxatives, will maintain regular bowel function and not interfere with the
digestion and absorption of nutrients, as occurs with laxative use or abuse.
Some of the factors described above, like changes in the
digestive system, as well as health concerns like the increased risk of fragile
bones, means that nutritional needs change as you age. Periodic review of your
diet is always helpful, particularly if you have specific medical conditions.
Taste and smell changes, as well as feelings of
loneliness and depression, contribute to decreased appetite, while many elderly
people may eat less because of chewing difficulties, fatigue, and social
reasons. Another statistic for the elderly being the need for more nutrition
because of disease or injury.
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