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These are based on physiological changes that take place during old age.
RDA for old age people
| Sex
|
Body weight (kg)
|
Energy requirements BMR(k cal)
|
Sedentary work(k cal)
|
| Males
|
45
|
1040
|
1664
|
|
50
|
1105
|
1768
|
|
55
|
1170
|
1872
|
|
60
|
1235
|
1976
|
|
70
|
1360
|
2280
|
| Female
|
40
|
0965
|
1544
|
|
45
|
1015
|
1624
|
|
50
|
1065
|
1704
|
|
55
|
1115
|
1784
|
|
60
|
1165
|
1864
|
|
65
|
1215
|
1944
|
|
70
|
1265
|
2024
|
Calories:
Energy requirement decreases with decreased BMR, physical activity and change in body composition due to sarcopenia (reduced muscle mass and tissue mass).
Proteins:
- Decrease in skeletal tissue mass leads to decrease in protein stores and are inadequate to meet protein synthesis.
- Protein needs represent 11-12% of energy intake.
- Protein intake 1 g/kg body weight in both the sexes.
- Serum albumin levels are the reliable indicators of protein nutrition.
- Deficiency leads to oedema, anaemia and lowered resistance to infection.
Carbohydrate:
An impaired glucose tolerance in the elderly can lead to hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and Type II Diabetes mellitus. To avoid this :
- Balanced energy intake, weight management, and regular physical activity
- Complex carbohydrates like whole grains and pulses should be included in the diet.
- Carbohydrates should meet 50% of energy requirement
Lipids:
Reducing the intake of saturated fat, incorporating mono or poly unsaturated fat sources.
Minerals:
Calcium: Requirement is more in old age due to
- Calcium availability from limited number of foods
- Age related bone loss, demineralization of bones and osteoporosis and to improve calcium balance
- Increase in the prevalence of fractures and dental decay.
- Decreased calcium absorption efficiency and decline in vitamin-D levels.
Women above 50 yrs need 1000mg/day for development of bone mass.
Iron: Deficiency is found due to
- Inadequate iron intake
- Blood loss due to chronic disease
- Decreased non heam iron absorption
- Secondary achloryhdria/atrophic gastritis
- Decreased intake of vitamin-C
Requirement is 30 mg/day
Zinc: Elderly who avoid fleshy foods are at risk of developing zinc deficiency
Symptoms: Delayed wound healing, low taste sensitivity and anorexia.
Vitamins:
The requirements of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E, ?-carotene and vitamin increase.
Vitamin-C: Protects cellular immunity.
Vitamin-D: requiremenrt increases as the elderly are at risk due to decreased exposure to sunlight or renal mass.
Folacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12: Protect against elevated serum homocysteine, a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, depression and neurological defects.
Water: Kidney functions more efficiently if sufficient water of 1.5 lts is provided to eliminate solids thus preventing constipation.
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Participants