Nutrition for Older Adults

An adequate and balanced diet during old ages helps prevent health problems from threatening life. In old age, the amount of fatty tissue in the body gets higher while the water amount is decreased; this situation causes the metabolism to slow down and the person may gain weight.

Oral diseases and digestive system diseases such as tooth loss, gastritis, and acid reflux lead to weight loss due to poor nutrition. As the loss of minerals in bones increases, the bones may get weaker and osteoporosis may occur. In old age, personal energy needs must be determined and the protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements must be met with nutrition.