Good nutrition plays a vital role in everyone’s health and well-being, and is especially important in ageing. As we age, our bodies undergo various physiological changes which can affect our nutritional status. Good nutrition helps maintain muscle mass, supports immune function, and enhances quality of life. However, malnutrition can lead to a range of health problems, including increased susceptibility to infections, delayed wound healing, an overall decline in health.
As we age, our metabolism changes, we have less muscle, and we tend to move around less than when we were younger. This means protein is particularly important.
The importance of protein
The main role of protein in the body is growth and repair. Protein is a building block and helps in the formation of many things in the body 1. As we age, we process protein less efficiently and can need more from our diet, often needing up to 50% more protein than whey they were younger to better preserve muscle mass and strength. Most older adults are only getting 60% of what is needed.
The risk of malnutrition
Other physical factors can impact an individual’s food intake such as; decreased appetites, changes in smell and taste and chewing/swallowing difficulties to name a few. These factors can result in older adults receiving less protein than what is needed, placing them at a significant risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition can have serious implications on health and quality of life including further weight loss, increased risk of falls and fractures, delayed wound healing and reduced muscle strength2.
Other risk factors for malnutrition include dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), chronic illness, medication side effects and social isolation3.
Based on current research, protein can be important in supporting healthy ageing and reducing malnutrition risk. This is why The Pure Food Co has a range of texture modified meals, snacks and smoothies which are fortified with extra protein to ensure older adults receive the nutrition they need.
For more information on Protein and Ageing, including how much protein is required for older adults, read our blog here – Protein and Ageing – The Pure Food Co
References
[1] Nutrients – NZ Nutrition Foundation
[2] Kaiser, M. J., et al. (2010). Frequency of malnutrition in older adults: a multinational perspective using the mini nutritional assessment. *Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 58*(9), 1734-1738.
[3] Ahmed, T., & Haboubi, N. (2010). Assessment and management of nutrition in older people and its importance to health. *Clinical Interventions in Aging, 5*, 207-216.
