Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

Nutrition in Older Adults
The senior years are the period from age 51 until the end of life. A number of physiological
and emotional changes take place during this life stage, and as they age, older adults can
face a variety of health challenges. Blood pressure rises, and the immune system may
have more difficulty battling invaders and infections. The skin becomes thinner and more
wrinkled and may take longer to heal after injury. Older adults may gradually lose an inch or
two in height. And short-term memory might not be as keen as it once was. However, many
older adults remain in relatively good health and continue to be active into their golden
years. Good nutrition is important to maintaining health later in life. In addition, the fitness
and nutritional choices made earlier in life set the stage for continued health and happiness.
As noted in Unit 1, Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) vary based on age. Beginning at age
51, nutrient requirements for adults change in order to fit the nutritional issues and health
challenges that older people face. Because the process of aging affects nutrient needs,
some requirements for nutrients decrease as a person ages, while requirements for other
nutrients increase. On this page, we will take a look at the changing nutrient requirements
for older adults as well as some special concerns for the aging population.
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