Nutrition for the Elderly and Ensuring Longevity

Nutrition for the Elderly: The Change in Needs and How to Ensure Longevity

Good food fosters good health. But the sad part is that as you age, nutritional habits change massively and sometimes for the worse leading up to malnutrition and other problems.
Aging enhances the physical demands. With age, people feel a reduced appetite. It can be managed with good nutrition. The latter is not how much you eat but the quality of the food you eat. There are a few factors responsible for the change in eating habits. Read below:

Loss of smell
Seniors experience loss of smell and taste often. After the age of 80, 75% of people lose their sense of smell. Perhaps, this is the reason why food doesn’t taste good. The good news is that the loss of smell can be treated.

Dental issues
Oral health issues too affect eating habits. Loss of teeth, gum disease, dental pain can turn eating into a chore instead of something you enjoy. This problem makes it difficult for the body to meet its protein requirements.

In old age, protein is vital for inhibiting stomach acid production.

Digestive needs
The lungs and the kidneys are responsible for maintaining the blood pH, and it decreases with age. It makes it difficult for the body to neutralize the acids produced by a diet high in refined carbohydrates and salt. Eating more alkaline-producing food can save the muscles and the bones.
Good bacteria in the intestines are good for regular bowel movement.

What to Eat?
Eating for healthy longevity is a challenge but is a rewarding process. Healthy eating leads to feeling stronger.

The Veggies
The body gets a mix of fruits and vegetables, thereby feeding the brain with 31 micronutrients required for optimal functioning of the body. It also provides a high amount of vitamin C, thus alkalizing the small intestine and protecting the bones and the muscles.

The Fats
Fats are essential for digesting the nutrients from vegetables. The body needs fats too. Fats make the brain more resilient and turn less tasty foods into delectable treats.

The Bacteria
Gut bacteria are vital for the health of the body. Fermented foods provide the intestines with healthy bacteria. Probiotics help in digesting the food and are also useful for mental health. The flavor of fermented foods is good for the taste buds. Even small amounts of fermented bacteria can improve digestion and bowel movements.

Lastly, water.
The elderly forget to drink often. It can turn into a severe problem. Flavoring the water with cucumber and/or lime is a good idea.

The Parting Word
The seniors should indulge in smaller meals rather than larger meals. Focus on quality more than quantity. Little enhances longevity more than this.