A
person’s daily calorie needs depend on their height, weight, muscle
mass, activity level and several other factors. Older adults may need fewer calories to maintain their weight, since they
tend to move and exercise less and carry less muscle. If you continue to eat
the same number of calories per day as you did when you were younger, you could
easily gain extra fat, especially around the belly area. This is especially
true in postmenopausal women, as the decline in estrogen levels seen during
this time may promote belly fat storage. However, even though older adults need
fewer calories, they need just as high or even higher levels of some nutrients,
compared to younger people. This makes it very important for older people to
eat a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats.
These healthy staples can help you fight nutrient deficiencies, without
expanding your waistline. Nutrients that become especially important as you age
include protein, vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B12.
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