Patient Daily Living

Nutritional Needs for Seniors

By Anastasia Hobbs

As people age, their bodies naturally begin to break down and need more nutrients than ever before. Find out what you can do about enhancing nutritional needs in seniors.


Nutrition Needs for Seniors

Proactive Preventative Nutrition for Seniors

As people age, their bodies naturally begin to break down and need more vitamins, minerals, and supplements than ever before. There’s nothing that can be done about that, but seniors can begin to start changing their diets before they reach this point. By adding just a few things to a diet, seniors can avoid losing muscle mass, lessen joint pain, and lower their risk of some diseases.

As We Get Older Our Body’s Needs Change

Seniors will slowly begin to realize that their bodies simply aren’t able to function as well as they used to. They may need more sleep, less physical exertion, and different types of foods than they needed before. Seniors actually need fewer calories, but more nutrient-rich meals. It’s important to look at things like carb intake, cholesterol, and a person’s medical and family history in order to determine what dietary changes they may need to make.
  • Live Better, Longer – Changes in nutrition.
  • Necessary Foods – Meeting the body’s nutritional needs as it ages.
  • Different Needs – A look at why seniors need different nutrients.
  • How Needs Change – A look at nutritional needs as one ages.
  • Nutrition and Aging – How the body changes.
  • Food and the Senior Life Stage –What the body needs.
  • Older Adults Have Different Needs –Foods seniors need to eat.

Nutrition and an Aging Mind

Aging doesn’t just take its toll on the body; it also affects the mind. Many seniors fear seeing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia—even worse, some fail to see these signs until others point them out. Eating foods that will help the brain function can assist in preventing both of these illnesses. The brain requires certain nutrients to function, and as a person ages, those needs to change a bit. Cold water fish, nuts, and dark-skinned vegetables and fruits are all things the elderly need in their diet.
  • Combating Alzheimer’s – Dietary tips for boosting brain health.
  • The Benefits of Fish – Why seniors may want to eat more fish.
  • Reduce “Senior Moments” – Tips that include dietary changes.
  • Poor Dieting – High-carb diets have been linked to mental decline in seniors.
  • Healthy Food and Mental Health – A balanced diet and exercise can protect the brain.

Senior Citizens, Malnutrition, and Vitamin Deficiencies

As a person gets older, the body isn’t able to make certain vitamins and minerals like it used to. B-12, Vitamin D, and calcium are just a few things seniors need to start eating more of because the body’s natural production slows down. It also needs more of these things, especially calcium. Increasing the number of foods with antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, and good cholesterol can also help prevent malnutrition in seniors.

- Written By

Anastasia Hobbs

Elder Care Expert
With over 20 years of experience in the eldercare industry, Anastasia Hobbs is a true elder care expert. Anastasia is passionate about providing compassionate care for elderly individuals and helping them stay independent.