Slide 1

TITLE: Nutritional Requirements for the Elderly

Note: The nutritional requirements for elderly adults differ from people in other age groups. According to an
article published in 2006 in the "Japanese Journal of Geriatrics," the definition of "elderly" should be those
persons over the age of 75. According to the World Health Organization, elderly people are more at risk for
being malnourished. Malnourishment commonly occurs because the elderly doesn’t have the funds to buy
certain foods, they suffer from illness, or they follow a poor diet. As people age, their need for some nutrients
increases, while their need for other nutrients decreases.

Slide 2
Calorie Needs
Increased age usually leads to a lower activity level, more fat stores and less muscle mass. With all these
factors combined, the elderly need to consume fewer calories than before.
The National Institute on Aging suggests:

 Elderly females (Inactive): 1600 calories per day

 Elderly females (Active): 1800 calories per day
 Elderly Males (Inactive): 2000 calories per day
 Elderly Males (Active): 2,200 calories per day
Notes: Increased age usually leads to a lower activity level, more fat stores and less muscle mass. With all of
these factors combined, the elderly need to consume fewer calories than before. The National Institute on
Aging suggests that elderly females who are inactive need 1,600 calories per day, while somewhat active
elderly females should consume 1,800 calories per day. They also say that elderly males who are inactive
need 2,000 calories per day, and somewhat active elderly males need 2,200 calories per day.

Slide 3
Carbohydrates
Elderly is advised to get:

 45 to 65 percent of calories (130 grams) from carbohydrates

 Most carbohydrates should be complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and other starchy
vegetables; legumes; and whole grains such as brown rice.
 Fiber is important for the elderly to regulate bowel movements.
o Elderly males should consume 30 grams of fiber per day
o Elderly females should consume 21 grams of fiber per day. 

Notes: The elderly are advised to get 45 to 65 percent of calories, or about 130 grams, from carbohydrates.
Most carbohydrates should be complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and other starchy vegetables;
legumes; and whole grains such as brown rice. Complex carbohydrates don't result in a quick insulin response
like sugary foods such as soda, cake and candy. Glucose tolerance declines in the elderly, and complex
carbohydrates will regulate glucose. Fiber is important for the elderly to regulate bowel movements. Elderly
males should consume 30 grams and elderly females should consume 21 grams of fiber per day. Choose
beans, vegetables, grains, fruits and nuts for good sources of fiber.
Slide 4
Protein and Fat
Protein needs will stay about the same as younger adults or may decrease. Kidney function is decreased in the
elderly, so it's important to consult with a doctor or a dietitian for more specific protein needs.
Elderly adults are advised to consume:

 10 to 35 percent of their calories (46 to 56 grams) from protein

 20 to 35 percent of their calories from fats.
Note: Protein needs will stay about the same as younger adults or may decrease. Kidney function is
decreased in the elderly, so it's important to consult with a doctor or a dietitian for more specific protein needs.
Elderly adults are advised to consume 10 to 35 percent of their calories, or about 46 to 56 grams, from protein
and 20 to 35 percent of their calories from fats. Good fats, such as fish, olive oil, canola oil and low-fat dairy
products, should be eaten more than fast foods and whole milk.

Slide 5
Vitamins
Adequate calcium and vitamin D is optimal for bone health.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that the elderly doesn’t consume enough vitamin B12 in their
diets.
Adults over 75 should consume and should get:

 20 micrograms of vitamin D and 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day

 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day through fortified cereals or supplements.
Notes: Adequate calcium and vitamin D is optimal for bone health. Adults over 75 should consume 20
micrograms of vitamin D and 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. Increase calcium and vitamin D by eating
green leafy vegetables, milk fortified with vitamin D, yogurt, and fruit juice. The Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics reports that the elderly doesn’t consume enough vitamin B12 in their diets. Adults 75 and over should
get 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day through fortified cereals or supplements.

Slide 6
Minerals
The elderly should get:

 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day

 And limiting their consumption of sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day

Note: The elderly should get 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day, while limiting their consumption of sodium
to 1,500 milligrams per day. Increase potassium intake with fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products.
Having the proper sodium and potassium balance decreases risk for high blood pressure, kidney stones and
bone loss.
Slide 7
How Many Calories Per Day for the Elderly?
Calories

 Males aged 50 to 70 need approximately 2,200 calories per day,

 Females aged 50 to 70 require 1,980 calories per day.
After age 70, caloric needs decrease due to decreased metabolism, movement and energy requirements.

 Males need about 2,050 calories per day

 Females need about 1,870 calories per day.
Note: According to the National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging from Florida University,
males aged 50 to 70 need approximately 2,200 calories per day, while females aged 50 to 70 require 1,980
calories per day. After age 70, caloric needs decrease due to decreased metabolism, movement and energy
requirements. Males need about 2,050 calories per day and females need about 1,870 calories per day.

Slide 8:
Macronutrients

 About 10 to 35 percent of daily calories should come from protein to maintain muscle and bone
formation.
 About 45 to 65 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates to maintain energy levels.
 About 20 percent but no more than 35 percent of calories should come from fat, which helps maintain
cellular function and body mass.
Notes: It is important to get adequate caloric intake from protein, carbohydrates and fat to maintain necessary
bodily functions. About 10 to 35 percent of daily calories should come from protein to maintain muscle and
bone formation. About 45 to 65 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates to maintain energy
levels. About 20 percent but no more than 35 percent of calories should come from fat, which helps maintain
cellular function and body mass.

Slide 9
Other Nutrition
In 2007, Tufts University modified the food pyramid to accommodate older adults. It now has a fiber
component.
Note: In 2007, Tufts University modified the food pyramid to accommodate older adults. It now has a fiber
component. Make sure the calories you get from carbohydrates are rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion
and bowel movements. After age 60, the thirst mechanism may decrease, so you might not drink enough
water, resulting in dehydration. With every meal, make sure to drink water.
Reference: How Many Calories Per Day for the Elderly? (livestrong.com) https://www.livestrong.com/article/320753-
how-many-calories-per-day-for-the-elderly/