Reduced absorption, loss of appetite, increased needs: why should seniors pay particular attention to the balance of their diet?
Every period of life has physiological specificities justifying different nutritional intakes. Elderly people are particularly at risk of deficiencies due to a combination of factors causing on the one hand a decrease in spontaneous food intake and on the other hand an increase in needs.
– A natural decrease in food intake : Age brings about a progressive decline in olfactory and taste functionscausing a loss of appetite. Seniors, for example, often complain of being less attracted to certain foods such as meat and meat derivatives, and their feeling of satiety is reached more quickly. The loss of autonomy common at this age, makes simple things like going shopping or preparing food difficult, and solitude can also have an impact on the pleasure of eating.
Teething problems can also make it difficult to chew certain dense and energy-dense foods (meat, bread, cheese, raw fruits and vegetables). Finally, certain diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease) or long-term medications can impact diet and appetite.
– Increased nutritional needs : due to poorer intestinal absorption, to…
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