Optimising protein intake in older people to maintain their musculoskeletal health

Nurs Stand. 2021 Aug 4;36(8):77-82. doi: 10.7748/ns.2021.e11786. Epub 2021 Jul 26.

Abstract

The concept of healthy ageing has become a significant aspect of the public health approach to older people's well-being. Physiological changes that occur with ageing, such as a lack of mobility and sarcopenia (an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength), have the potential to negatively affect older people's quality of life and musculoskeletal health, often contributing to falls and fractures. Protein intake is a crucial element in maintaining optimal health in older people, and is important in delaying sarcopenia. This article discusses the role of protein in healthy ageing and outlines various recommendations for optimising protein intake in older people.

Keywords: clinical; diet; eggs; gerontology; health promotion; nutrition; nutritional intake; nutritional status; older people; public health; red meat; vitamins.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Nutritional Status
  • Quality of Life
  • Sarcopenia* / pathology
  • Sarcopenia* / prevention & control