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For Older Adults: More Nutrition in Smaller Packages

June 24, 2005

As people get older, most require fewer calories than they did in their younger years. At the same time, nutritional needs increase.

After age 50, a few nutrients may need special attention, including vitamins B6 and B12, calcium and vitamin D. Get needed nutrition and keep calories down by choosing foods that pack the most nutrition, such as whole grains, low-fat and non-fat dairy foods, lean meat, fish or poultry and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

And try the following:

• Increase calcium and vitamin D by adding canned salmon to pasta or drinking more milk.
• Boost your vitamin B6 levels by topping a baked potato with tuna or chicken.
• Improve vitamin B12 intake by including animal foods in your eating plan or focusing on fortified foods.
• Older people often have diminished appetites, so eat smaller, more frequent meals. You can do much toward making your “golden years” happy, healthful years. 

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team

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