But “old age is not a risk factor as such,” emphasizes Helmut Hesecker, professor of nutrition and health at the University of Paderborn. Those who are fit both physically and mentally, and who have maintained their independence, rarely have a deficiency. This was demonstrated by a survey conducted by the University of Bonn, in which approximately 360 healthy, mobile elderly people from Euskirchen took part. Few of the average 75-year-old respondents said they suffered from age-related eating problems.

Resorption with age

Most were taken three times a day and their energy levels were within the recommended range. Vitamin and mineral requirements were also covered. Overall, the Bonn researchers conclude that healthy, mobile older people, regardless of their age, are similar to adults in professional life. In the case of older people who need help with Everyday life or in the case of tenants, shortages are often more frequent. However, taking into account the amount of food consumed is not enough to assess nutritional intake.

Nutritional supplements may be helpful

Although significant deficits are rare, small deficits may contribute to the development of cognitive impairment, depression, or dementia. Because insufficient supply may lead to high level homocysteine, which apparently damages the brain and nerves. This is better, in contrast to the vitamin from the diet for atrophic gastritis, more suitable for use. Various studies suggest that a higher intake of more than 15 mcg may be appropriate for over 70 year olds. Today, every third to fifth senior takes vitamin and mineral supplements.

But apparently the least place is on the nutrients they actually need. Critical, on the other hand, was a source of folate. Despite taking the drugs, only one third of women and less than half of men received the recommended daily dose. Often, older adults eat low amounts of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Whether it's because they can't chew it well, buying fresh food is difficult, or it just doesn't taste good. Partially the protein intake is too short. “People who consume less and less meat or other protein carriers such as dairy products increase muscle growth and the risk of falling, then it makes sense to add protein or drink food,” Dr. Ralf-Joachim Schulz, gastroenterologist and geriatrician at a hospital in Berlin .

This also applies if meat, sausage or cheese is no longer on the menu due to chewing problems. Modern research papers from Canada conclude that older people have a higher demand for proteins because their bodies use them less efficiently. While younger adults are recommended to consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, researchers suggest that older adults, especially frail older adults, should consume 1 to 1.3 grams of protein. Additionally, some research suggests that a protein-rich diet may reduce age-related muscle wasting.

However, not only physical changes, but also drug use influence the number of older people and the extent to which nutrients are used. Sedatives taken by elders for sleep disorders often lead to lack of appetite, lack of appetite or constipation, explains the doctor. And the laxative damages the intestinal villi, so that fewer nutrients are absorbed. Antirheumatic drugs can lead to chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby significantly reducing appetite.

Finally, diuretic minerals are cleared from the body. The loss of magnesium and potassium, in turn, negatively affects appetite. The extent to which medications influence diet depends on the dosage and varies from person to person. Anyone who feels like they have an appetite or even lost weight should talk to their doctor. If you eat too little, it will inevitably lead to nutritional deficiencies. They are often overlooked by those affected themselves, relatives, nurses and doctors. With more than two-thirds of older adults in need of care living at home, malnutrition is not just a problem for the elderly and nursing homes.

Almost ten percent of older people living in their own homes are underweight, a Paderborn study found. Early signs include impotence, weakness or loss of vitality. Thus, it is wise to weigh the most nourishing and needy on a regular basis. Malnutrition usually has several causes. Organic changes, such as delayed gastric distension, prolonged action of saturation hormones, or decreased taste sensations and odors can limit the amount of food.

In addition to major life events such as serious illness, death of a partner, or entering into an old house- Chewing and difficulty swallowing can also make eating difficult. Many older adults suffer from ill-fitting dentures, toothaches, dry mouth, or decreased saliva production. Often the sufferers' eating simply makes less or only attacks food that is too soft. Vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains and meats, are less likely to be found on the diet, meaning energy and nutrients are compromised.

The consequences of nutrient deficiencies range from decreased muscle strength and increased susceptibility to infections, heart failure, and neurological disorders. Mouth drowsiness, difficulty swallowing, or dementia also make drinking alcohol difficult. Fear of incontinence or prostate discomfort also causes older adults to not absorb enough fluids. In addition, thirst decreases because hormonal regulation gets out of balance. A survey in retired Paderborn showed that only 50% of residents drink the recommended amount of 1.5 to 2 liters.

However, fluid deficiency significantly limits physical and mental performance. Drying of the skin and mucous membranes, circulation problems and kidney failure may occur. Confusion is also often due to lack of fluid. To prevent him from going that far, drinks should always be in sight. Special drinking vessels, such as double-handled cups, and a drinking protocol may be helpful.

Quality of life: Old not the same age

Regardless of age, the physical and mental condition of the elderly decide how well the elderly are supplied with energy and nutrients. Anyone who is different in age can avoid deficiency. Individual eating difficulties should be addressed and, where possible, addressed. Along with movement, social contact and balance, a healthy diet ensures optimal quality of life at every age.

More information can be found here. Samples from many patients in inpatient and outpatient care were found to be malnourished. Old people often eat one-sided and nutritionally poor: instead of fruits and vegetables often White bread and pudding.

Hands shake, swallowing is difficult, and often ill-fitting dentures cause a buzzing sound of agony. Some older people are particularly vulnerable. When strength diminishes and the joy of life disappears, the appetite for cooking and eating often disappears. At the initial stage, vitamin deficiency often goes undetected, since fat soluble vitamins are still stored in the body. However, in the long term, serious health consequences can occur, according to a brochure from the League of German Pensioners.

Weakening the body's immune defenses

If, for example, pet food is rarely eaten because meat is difficult to chew, the body is not adequately supplied with the proteins needed to maintain bone mass. In addition, important microelements such as zinc and iron are missing from metabolism. Iron deficiency reduces the transport of oxygen in red blood cells and causes a constant feeling of tiredness and tiredness.

To maintain bone mass, the body primarily needs calcium, which is found in dairy products and some vegetable varieties. They support metabolism in this task. As a result, the body's immune defenses are weakened and the heart and lungs are no longer supplied with nutrients. Additionally, the risk of mental confusion increases significantly.

Vitamins B - for the stomach, carotene - for the eyes

The older a person is, the more important it is to have well-functioning body protection. However, a study from the UK found that many older people suffer from vitamin deficiency without realizing it. However, since the body needs support, especially in old age, healthy image life for the elderly - The best way avoid illness.

Vitamins are important helpers of the body

The human body is like a power plant: energy is burned, heat is produced, and, of course, there is excess waste. Especially the so-called free radicals- remnants of energy production - attack our body cells. The body protects itself by intercepting free radicals as quickly as possible and rendering them harmless. They act as an auxiliary sheriff in the body's cells: they capture free radicals and protect us from disease.

Without vitamins, diseases have an easy game

Vitamins are also important agents against external attacks: they strengthen immune system and help the body recover after infection. Especially older people often suffer from vitamin deficiency without knowing it. As a result, the body has weaker defenses and can withstand attacks from pollutants and pathogens.

Alcohol, cigarettes and poor diet: there is a pre-programmed vitamin deficiency

To stay healthy as you age, you must pay attention to an adequate supply of vitamins. Unfortunately, however, older adults are often reluctant to change their dietary habits. This can be problematic because traditional German foods such as ice cream and butter pie are not good suppliers of vitamins.