HEALTHIER EVERYDAY

Introduction Ageing starts at conception and ends at death. It encompasses the whole of life, not merely its later stages. Indeed , every stage has its unique potential and fulfilment and the period of adulthood-young, middle and older-are no exception. Dietary requirement do not differ greatly in old age from those of younger and middle adults in the case of energy. There is reduced need for energy as energy expenditure declines. Usually, old people are less active and use less energy.  They do not need as many calories as younger people. Further dietary intake in the elderly is influenced by a range of physical, social and psychological problems. Problems that affects dietary intake Physical Disability Joint pains/knee pain Loss of teeth Social Loneliness Social isolation Lack of income Psychological Loss of partner Food faddism and superstition Nutritional problems during old age The nutrients most likely to be deficient in the diet of an elderly person are vitamins C, B comple...