Nutrition in the elderly requries a balanced diet to keep fit and healthy.

As people grow older the bones and muscles in their body change, resulting in a decrease of lean body tissue and bone density.

Activity and energy levels change as a person gets older, and the need for eating large portions of food are not now required in the same way as earlier in life.

The correct nutrition in the elderly is now important at this stage of life , helping the body to keep fit and healthy, by eating foods high in vitamins and minerals, drinking water, and keeping as active as possible.

The older body finds it more difficult to absorb vitamins and minerals through food intake, especially vitamin D. A supplement of this vitamin is said to be beneficial to help strengthen the bones.

Although it has not been proved, it has been said that this vitamin helps to have a positive effect on the aging body, so much so that people with higher levels of vitamin D, may age more slowly than those with a lower level.

It is also possible that this vitamin could help protect the body from cancer and heart related diseases.

Vitamins and Minerals needed in the nutrition in the elderly can be found in the following foods.

Vitamin B complex
Is found in whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sweet corn, brown rice, berries, and yeast.

Iron
Liver, red meats, oily fish, nuts eggs, pulses, and breakfast cereals.

Zinc
Chicken, meat and fish.

Calcium
Milk, cheese, yohurt. margarine and oily fish.

Vitamin C
Fruits and vegetables like oranges, melons,, blackcurrants, grapes.
tomatoes,red and green peppers and brussell sprouts.

Vitamin D
Margarine, oily fish and sunlight.

Carbohydates
Bread,rice,pasta,cereals and white sugar.

Folate
Dark green vegetables, breakfast cereals,oranges, yeast extact.

Protein
Milk,eggs,lean meat,chicken and fish.

Fats
Choose meats and dairy products low in fats. Grill food wherever possible.

Water
Dehydration in the elderly often ocurs as a result of not drinking enough water.

If one or two portion from each category above are eaten every day, then that will help a person towards their daily reccommended allowance.

The guidelines for nutrition in the elderly, are the same as they are for the rest of the UK population.

For further help and information on this subject click on Nutrition in the Elderly to take you to our Further information and Supports Group Page and for more information on Vitamins and Minerals go to The Vitamins and Nutrition Centre