Nutritional Aspects of Healthy Aging

Abstract

Proper nutrition and healthy eating are key determinants of healthy aging. In older age, energy requirements decrease, yet micronutrient requirements stay the same or increase, which make older adults susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, it is important to encourage older adults to consume nutrient-dense foods. Many older adults do not maintain proper hydration, so adequate water intake should also be encouraged. Most older adults have multiple chronic diseases that may influence their dietary intake and nutritional needs. However, currently, our understanding of how individual chronic diseases and their associated treatments influence dietary requirements is limited.

Keywords: Aging; Dietary requirements; Healthspan; Nutrition.