Dietary Needs of the Elderly

As people get older, they may begin to lose the physical and mental strength to take care of themselves. In the kitchen, this can mean forgetting to eat or not having the strength to lift heavy pots and plates for cooking. Sadly, this forced starvation can lead to malnutrition, which can make an elderly person sicker and weaker.

During a person's lifespan, his or her dietary needs change many times. For instance, children need an increasing amount of calcium between ages 1 and 18. However, when someone is 19-50, the recommended daily intake of calcium drops by 300 mg. This is because you are building bone mass up to age 18, and after that, you only have to worry about maintaining that mass. After 50, though, the recommended daily intake amount raises to its highest point to help the elderly battle common problems like osteoporosis.

Thus, even though the elderly may not have the energy to work off extra calories, it is still important that they consume vitamin- and mineral-rich foods in order to prevent malnutrition. This can come in the form of nutrient-laden foods so that the older people do not have to eat as much while still gaining the vitamins and minerals they need. An older person can also consume supplements in order to get their daily intake of nutrients.

Once an older person loses his or her interest in food or the ability to cook, it is important for a caretaker to make sure that their charge receives the necessary nutrients. This may require the older person to move to a nursing home or assisted-living facility.

Frustratingly, however, not all nursing homes take good care of their residents. In fact, recent studies have found abuse in the form of beatings, the "silent treatment," and even malnutrition. Malnutrition causes both physical and mental suffering, and it can seriously shorten your loved one's lifespan.

If your elderly loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, you should not let this terrible negligence go unpunished. To fight back, contact an experienced Danville nursing home abuse lawyer from Spiros Law, P.C., today.