Aging and Gerontology

Aging and Nutrition

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Calorie needs change due to more body fat and less lean muscle. Less activity can further decrease calorie needs. With age, it becomes more important that diets contain enough calcium, fiber, iron, protein, and the vitamins A, B₁₂, C, D and Folacin. Older adults should reduce calories, select nutrient-dense foods, and enjoy smaller portions of foods high in fat, sugar and sodium. Because no one food or pill provides all of the nutrients, they should eat a variety of foods to get the full spectrum of nutrients.