Nutritional Aspects of Healthy Aging
Alexander Panda1, Sarah L Booth1
1Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|September 26, 2022
Summary
Healthy aging depends on good nutrition and hydration. Older adults need nutrient-dense foods and adequate water due to changing nutritional needs and increased risk of deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Proper nutrition and healthy eating are crucial for healthy aging.
- Older adults face unique nutritional challenges, including decreased energy needs but stable or increased micronutrient requirements, increasing susceptibility to deficiencies.
- Many older adults have multiple chronic diseases impacting dietary intake and nutritional needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of nutrient-dense foods and adequate hydration for older adults.
- To underscore the challenges older adults face in meeting nutritional requirements.
- To identify the limited understanding of how chronic diseases affect dietary needs in older populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nutrition and aging.
- Analysis of nutritional requirements in older adults.
- Examination of the impact of chronic diseases on diet.
Main Results:
- Older adults are at high risk for nutrient deficiencies due to altered energy and micronutrient needs.
- Adequate hydration is often overlooked in older populations.
- The influence of specific chronic diseases and treatments on the dietary requirements of older adults is not well understood.
Conclusions:
- Encouraging nutrient-dense food consumption and adequate water intake is vital for healthy aging.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between chronic diseases, treatments, and nutritional needs in older adults.
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