Senior Nutrition
As we age, our bodies and nutritional requirements change. Seniors need to increase or reduce their intake of certain vitamins and minerals depending on gender, metabolism and disease management. Caloric intake changes, so to stay healthy, older adults need to make changes to ensure they meet their dietary needs.
Aging is associated with distinct changes in the body composition; most notably, decreases in fluids and lean body mass and an increase in fat storage. Changes in the body predispose older adults to dehydration, reduced metabolism, falls and injury and central weight gain.
The senior food guide pyramid is geared toward those 70 and older and is a guide to help older adults make good nutrition choices. Seniors who do not eat the recommended portions of food each day may put themselves at risk for malnutrition. Older people are at risk of malnutrition in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and in the general community. Using the Senior Food Guide Pyramid may help reduce that risk.