Later Adulthood

• As bodies, age, their processes and functions begin to slow and deteriorate, because of this continued good nutrition is vital.
• As the digestive tract becomes less effective at absorption, higher dietary fibre intake becomes important to maintain digestive health.
• Older people are at higher risk of hypertension so sodium intake should be further reduced.
• There is an increased risk of dehydration due to reduced movement, fear of incontinence and loss of thirst response, so fluid intake should increase.
• Older people are at risk of osteoporosis, so calcium and vitamin D intake should be increased.
• Calcium and vitamin K are also important for blood clotting and wound healing.
• B Group vitamins are important for overall health and function.
• Antioxidants are important for eyesight and eye health, which decline with age.
• Being underweight can increase risk of damage, particularly in falls, so healthy intake of fat is important.
• The elderly are at particular risk of not having satisfactory nutrition for a number of factors, such as decreased mobility, which makes feeding oneself more difficult. Older people may turn to ready meals or other prepackaged foods, which are often not nutritionally balanced, and can be especially high in salt.