What are the nutritional needs of the elderly?
A. Although the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for many vitamins and minerals remain similar for people over 75 years of age compared with younger adults, some nutrients may be needed in greater amounts as a result of interactions with medications or problems with their ability to make or use the nutrient. An older person’s need for calories may decrease by as much as 25%. Surgery and other injuries may also increase the need for certain vitamins and minerals. In practical terms, this means that an older person needs to get the same amount of vitamins and minerals from a smaller amount of food. This can be challenging since many older people have problems eating sufficient amounts of food and absorbing the nutrients from the foods eaten. Q. What are some causes of inadequate nutrient intake? A. Inadequate nutrition can be the result of many things, such as: • poverty • anorexia • social isolation • depression • functional disabilities, such as chewing and swallowing problems • c
