Adequate Nutrition is of vital importance in the elderly. Low income, decreased mobility, social isolation and depression are known to affect their health and well-being. Malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis have been identified as the most prevalent nutrition related health problems affecting seniors today.

Since good nutrition is of immense significance during old age, care should be taken that the diets of the elderly are well-balanced. Your residents’ energy needs, and as a result the total quantity of food intake, is decreased while nutrient requirements remain largely unaltered. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to provide adequate amounts of nutrients in more concentrated amounts. Consider the following when planning balanced meals for the elderly.

1. High-energy foods like sweets, fried or high fat foods, cereals and starches need to be reduced while liberal amounts of milk and milk products, fresh fruits, and vegetables (particularly green leafy vegetables), should be included to meet vitamin and mineral     needs.
2. An adequate intake of calcium should be ensured to compensate for the gradual de-mineralization of bones associated with aging.
3. Since sufficient exposure to sunlight is essential to meet the body’s needs for vitamin D, in the case of elderly individuals confined to bed, supplements of this vitamin need to be provided.
4. Foods rich in fats, especially saturated fats, should be avoided and oils containing high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as sunflower oil and soybean oil should be used to prevent and control hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
5. Intake of simple sugars should be reduced as these provide only empty calories.
6. Dietary fiber has a beneficial effect in various conditions associated with aging such as constipation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Adequate amount of foods rich in dietary fiber should be included in the diet.

With the advancement of age, the capacity to digest and tolerate large meals often decreases. Therefore, the quantity of food given at a time needs to be decreased. The required number of meals can be increased as per the individual’s tolerance. Due to the loss of teeth, particularly if dentures are not used, modifications in consistency need to be made. The diet should be soft, well-cooked and should include foods that need little or no mastication such as milk and milk products, soft cooked eggs, tender meats, soft cooked vegetables, grated salads, fruit juices, soft fruits like banana or stewed fruits. Food should be colorful, attractive and tasty, and should be served in pleasant surroundings so as to arouse appetite and interest in the meal. Apart from the diet, the elderly are advised to continue with their physical activity and light exercises to keep fit and prevent the occurrence of diseases like arthritis, gout and obesity.Quotation Apart from the diet, the elderly are advised to continue with their physical activity and light exercises to keep fit and prevent the occurrence of diseases like arthritis, gout and obesity. Quotation
Regular or periodic health checkups and weight monitoring also helps in physical fitness and early detection of complications. Although 13% of elderly diets are poor and about two-thirds need improvement, this is still better than younger adults who score 18% as poor and 70% as needing improvement. However, as people age past 74 years, the quality of their diets slowly declines.