HM’s Food & Wine Magazine

Ageing brings significant physiological changes in the body and these changes influence appreciably in the nutritional requirements. Therefore geriatric nutrition deals with the nutritional requirements of the old people. Some physiological changes in ageing are discussed briefly.

Reduced cellular metabolism: Studies have shown that there is a noteworthy decrease in the metabolism tissues as a result of aging. Hence there is a reduction in the basal metabolic rate.

Nervous system: As a result of ageing the following changes in the nervous system occur.
a)    Decrease in reaction time
b)    Decrease in the memory power and rate of learning
c)    Changes in the behavior and
d)    Dimness of vision

Skeletal System and Teeth: Demineralization of bone has been observed commonly in aged people. This condition is known as Osteoporosis. Clinical studies have indicated increased calcium requirements for aged persons. Loss of teeth due to decay of teeth and gum in common.

Gastrointestinal Track: Decreased secretion of saliva and decreased ability to digest starch has been observed in old people. Gastric acidity decreases in a large percentage of old people. Peptic, tryptic, amylolytic and lipolytic enzyme activities in the digestive system are decreased. Changes in the intestinal mucosa result in reduced absorption of nutrients in old people.

Cardiovascular System: Increase in the incidence of atherosclerosis has been observed in the elderly people. Changes in the character of heart muscle and coronary arteries lead to less efficient functioning of the heart.

Renal System: Kidney function tests carried out in old people have indicated a diminished functioning of the kidneys.

Integumental System: Changes in the face or appearance of the skin, hair and nails are the most familiar indices of advancing age. Decreased elasticity of the skin is the most common character of old age.

Endocrine System: Marked changes in the endocrine glands take place as a result of ageing. Activities of endocrine glands like thyroid, adrenal cortex and islets of langerhans are diminished. This influences the metabolism cells. The basal metabolic rate is notably reduced in old persons.

Nutritional Requirements:
The nutritional requirements for old people are discussed as follows:-

Calories: The calorie requirement is reduced by about 25 percent as compared to normal adults doing light work due to decrease in basal metabolism and physical activity. The calorie intake should be adjusted to maintain the body weight constants. In the case of obese people, the calorie intake should be adjusted to reduce the body weight gradually. Persons with the body weight below normal should adjust calorie intake so that the body weight is gradually brought to normal level.

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