Health Steward Q&A Senior Health Elderly Nutrition

What is the best diet for people over 65?

Asked by:Lavinia

Asked on:Apr 08, 2026 04:17 PM

Answers:1 Views:334
  • Christiana Christiana

    Apr 08, 2026

      Moderate hunger and fullness

      Due to endocrine changes and a relative decrease in the secretion of digestive enzymes, the elderly have poor ability to regulate hunger and fullness. Hypoglycemia often occurs when they are hungry and increases the burden on the heart when they are overfull. Especially for the elderly who are pure vegetarians, since they eat only plant-based foods, they have poor hunger resistance, so they should eat small meals frequently and eat on time.

      Generally, eat at least three meals a day, and it is best to add two or three side meals. For side meals, you can choose soy milk, tofu curd, red dates and lotus heart soup, peanut paste, walnut cheese, sesame paste, various salty and sweet porridges, soft pastries, fruits and other foods. The interval between three main meals is 4 to 6 hours, and side meals should be placed between main meals and 1 hour before going to bed. elderly Metabolic function is reduced and physical activity is less. Each meal should be 80-90% full, and 70% full is better.

      Protein should be refined

      Soybeans have high protein content and good quality. Fish meat has short fiber, low fat content, fresh and tender meat, and its protein digestibility is as high as 87% to 98%. These are ideal foods for seniors to get protein. The elderly need 4 servings of protein every day, but their meat intake must be limited.

      Therefore, some protein sources should be replaced by beans and soy products (such as tofu, soy milk). The diet of the elderly should include a portion of protein food (such as lean meat, fish, eggs, tofu, etc.). Especially vegetarians who do not eat meat or even eggs should get protein from beans and various nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc.).