Nutrient Needs During Old Age

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 28: Nutrition for the Elderly

Nutrient Needs During Old Age

Nutrient needs during old age are based on physiological changes that take place during old age. After the age of 40 the basal metabolic rate decreases due to decrease in muscle mass and other metabolically active tissue mass. There is decrease in the production of endocrines and the physical activity also lessens with age. The calorie intake should be adjusted to maintain a constant body weight. In case of obese individuals, people who need to loose weight because of some illness such as diabetes, arthritis of knee joints etc, the calorie intake should be reduced so as to create a moderate negative calorie balance which can gradually but steadily bring down the body weight to normal limits.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 8 May 2012, 6:36 AM