NUTR 100
Professor Butler
March 15th, 2015
Nutrition Across the Lifespan
An Elderly Person is classified as a person of the chronological age of 65 years and older. Persons of 65 years and older are said to be in late adulthood. With age, their senses begin to dull and without corrective glasses, nearly half the elderly population would be legally blind. Their hearing also diminishes, especially the ability to detect high-pitched sounds. Elderly people who have not been taking care of their health face major health problems at this stage in their lives and are often relegated to homes where they are looked after by nurses and caretakers.
Older people’s energy needs are a balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat is needed, even as calorie (energy) requirements decline with age, particularly if physical activity is restricted. Although this often means eating less, requirements for protein, vitamins and minerals remain largely unchanged. The total daily kcal requirement is 1900 for women and 2330 for men. Energy requirements decline with increasing age. It is, therefore, important that older people choose a nutrient-dense diet, including foods which contain protein, vitamins and minerals such as milk and dairy products, meat, eggs, fish, bread, cereals, and fruit and vegetables.
The nutritional requirements sometimes differ from male to female. Below is a chart with the necessary daily requirements for older persons aging 65 and up. Older Persons (65+) | Male | Female | Protein | 56 g | 46 g | Fiber | ≥30 g | ≥21 g | Water (Fluids) | 3.7L (6-8 cups) | 2.7L (6-8 cups) | Folic Acid | 300 mcg (0.3 mg) | 300 mcg (0.3 mg) | Minerals | Calcium (Ca) | 800 mg | 800 mg | | Iron (Fe) | 14.8 g | 14.8 g | | Sodium (S) | ≥1600 mg | ≥1400 mg | | Potassium (K) | 3500 mg | 3500 mg | | Phosphorus (P) | 550 mg | 550 mg | | Magnesium (Mg) | 270 mg |