Senior Nutrition : Harvard informs seniors about special nutrition needs

BOSTON , MA- As people age, their metabolism changes and they begin to burn fewer calories. In older folks, the body seems to sense a decreased need for calories and subsequently people tend to lose interest in food. Not having companionship during mealtime, little mobility to go grocery shopping, dental problems that interfere with chewing, and medications may also lead to disinterest in food. The June issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch reports on these changes, the special nutritional requirements of seniors, and how special planning can help meet these needs.

The following are some suggestions from the Harvard Men's Health Watch, geared toward older men, about how to maintain healthy eating habits as they age:

Staying active will preserve muscle, enabling you to burn more calories, increasing your metabolism, boosting your appetite, and increasing your intake of essential nutrients. A high consumption of dietary fiber will help fight diabetes, heart disease, diverticulosis, and hemorrhoids. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber bran cereals are a good source of dietary fiber. It's important to maintain a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid and 1.7 mg of vitamin B 6 if you are over the age of 50. These two vitamins help reduce blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, now recognized as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Additional topics in the article include proper carbohydrate, water, protein, and mineral intake for seniors. The article outlines a balanced and varied diet that “makes it surprisingly easy to eat well.”