Nutrition for older Australians

As we age, our nutritional needs evolve, and a well-balanced diet becomes paramount to maintaining health and vitality.

Protein

One crucial aspect is protein intake. In Australia, protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is notably prevalent among the elderly population. This nutritional deficiency, often associated with concurrent diseases, has profound implications for overall health. Protein deficiency, a key aspect of PEM, adversely affects crucial organs, including the brain, immune system, and gut functions which include nutrient absorption and microbial balance.

Elderly men should aim for 81g/day (1.07 g/kg), while women should target 57g/day (0.94 g/kg).

Addressing the nutritional challenges faced by the elderly requires an understanding of how protein inadequacy can impact various physiological functions.

Calcium

Calcium, vital for bone health, is another cornerstone. Low calcium intake is linked to osteoporosis, a prevalent condition in Western cultures causing low bone density and fractures, particularly among older Australians, especially postmenopausal women.

Calcium's impact on osteoporosis risk extends throughout life, influenced by vitamin D status and exercise. Men and women over 70 should aim for 1300 mg/day. Primary sources include milk, bony fish, legumes, nuts, fortified soy, and cereals.

Cooking for yourself?

As an older person, if you are cooking for yourself, focus on crafting meals rich in these nutrients from the sources above. Create protein and calcium-packed recipes by featuring lean meats, dairy, and plant-based sources.

Cooking for others?

If you are a food business catering for older Australians, embracing these nutritional guidelines offers older people choices to both enjoy their meals and to create strength and resilience from a well-nourished body.

Images courtesy of Rustik Food Store 

The Maggie Beer Foundation is a vibrant, influential and an authoritative charity that will improve the food experience and quality of life for current and future generations of older people.

With FREE, limited industry-specific training available for cooks and chefs in the Aged Care Sector, the Maggie Beer Foundation aims to fill this critical gap in the learning space. In collaboration with dietitians and scientists, they have designed a comprehensive online training program, available in 11 short-format modules.

It is the Foundation’s aim to ensure accessible and relevant training resources are available for anyone focused on improving the food experience for elder Australians. To access this incredible resource, register here.

References

1. Scholes G. Protein-energy malnutrition in older Australians: A narrativereview of the prevalence, causes and consequences of malnutrition, and strategies for prevention. Health Promot J Austr. 2022;33(1):187–193. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.489 

2. National Health and Medical Research Council Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. 2017 September; Available from: https://www.nrv.gov.au/ 

3. Meng X, Kerr DA, Zhu K, Devine A, Solah V, Binns CW, Prince RL. Calcium intake in elderly Australian women is inadequate. Nutrients. 2010;2(9):1036–1043. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2091036 

4. Zochling J, Chen JS, Seibel M, Schwarz J, Cameron ID, Cumming RG, March L, Sambrook PN. Calcium metabolism in the frail elderly. Clin Rheumatol. 2005;24(6):576–582. doi: 10.1007/s10067-005-1107-8.