Geriatrics » Clinical evaluation of common complaints

Nutrition in the elderly

After age 50, several metabolic and physiological changes that impact nutritional needs of an individual take place in our body. Metabolic rate slows down and may decline as much as 30% over ones lifetime, resulting in decreased caloric needs which is further complicated by changes in an older person's ability to balance food intake and energy needs. Even with a decreased caloric need, many older people have difficulty getting sufficient calories which can eventually lead to chronic fatigue, depression and a weak immune system. A significant number of elderly fail to get the amounts and types of food necessary to meet essential energy and nutrient needs. Anorexia also is common in elderly persons. Nutritional modulation is one approach to successful aging. In animals, dietary restriction increases life span. Alterations in the macronutrient and micronutrient constituent of the diet also is immensely beneficial.

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