A 70-year-old with a diet that contains plenty of fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin A will be less likely to develop high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Calcium and Vitamin D:
Adults over the age of 70 need more calcium and vitamin D because they help maintain bone health. Choose calcium-rich foods and beverages and aim to eat three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products every day.
Older adults' unique nutrition needs
Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. To get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals.
The foundation of your diet should be nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and low- or non-fat dairy, as well as high-protein foods such as fish, lean meats and poultry, nuts, lentils, and soy products such as tofu. Limit foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.
Important risk nutrients include protein; omega-3 fatty acids; dietary fiber; vitamins B6, B12, and E; calcium; magnesium; and potassium. Many older adults are not getting enough of these nutrients.
Because of the factors above, research supports increasing the recommended intake of protein for older adults by up to 50 percent. That means people over age 65 should strive for 0.45 to 0.55 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily, or about 68 to 83 grams for a 150-pound person.
In the elderly, the importance of an adequate magnesium intake is reiterated as research shows it may preserve cognitive function. Eating a diet rich in magnesium foods can support the daily recommended intake. Another option to consider is food supplements.
The current recommended dietary allowance for women older than 70 years is 0.36 grams for each pound of body weight or 46 grams of protein for a 130-pound woman. This amount is the same for all women 19 and older.
Focus on the nutrients you need, including potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12. With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst.
Water is probably the most important essential nutrient that a person needs. A person can only survive a few days without consuming water. Even slight dehydration can cause headaches and impaired physical and mental functioning. The human body is made up of mostly water, and every cell requires water to function.
The three primary macronutrients are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Carbs fuel your body with immediate energy. Protein provides amino acids, which are essential for building muscle, skin, blood, and important structures of the brain and nervous system.
Popcorn, oatmeal, sweet potato, and jasmine rice are great examples of whole grains which help aid in digestion, metabolism, and of course, sleep. Oatmeal is one of the best bedtime snack foods because it includes an abundance of sleep-inducing nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.
Ongoing fatigue in seniors can be caused by chronic conditions, making it important to monitor and report any new symptoms of weakness and exhaustion to your care team. Some common underlying health conditions that can contribute to fatigue in older adults include: Diabetes. Heart disease.
Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Untreated pain and diseases like fibromyalgia. Anemia. Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
Endurance can decline as you age — and you can tire more quickly — but fatigue is not a natural part of aging.
With lower fat and therefore lower calorie content, lean meat is an excellent source of protein for seniors. The USDA defines lean as having less than 10 grams of fat and 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat per 3.5 ounce (100-gram) serving.
Yes, animal meat, poultry and fish are protein powerhouses. Dairy products (such as eggs, cheese and Greek yogurt), beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are also great sources. One essential amino acid in particular, leucine, stimulates muscle growth and prevents the deterioration of muscle as we age.