Discuss the impact of aging on the nutrient needs of older adults

Answer 1

Many of the nutrient needs of older adults are the same as for younger persons, but some special considerations deserve emphasis. Calorie needs decline with age because of a decrease in basal metabolism related to loss of lean tissue and a decrease in physical activity. The recommended energy intake decreases by 10 calories per day for males and 7 calories per day for females for each year of age above 19 . Given their lower energy allowances, older adults are advised to select mostly nutrient-dense foods as recommended by MyPlate for Older Adults.

Although caloric needs may decrease with age, the need for certain nutrients—such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6—may actually increase with the effects of aging. For example, as many as 30 percent of persons older than 50 years may experience reduced stomach acidity, which can interfere with their ability to absorb vitamin B12, calcium, and iron from foods. In addition, older adults who have low intakes of fortified dairy products may have increased needs for vitamin D because their skin has become less efficient at making vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.