Physiological factors. The taste function of the elderly is decreased, especially the bitter and salty functions are obviously lost, and at the same time, it is often accompanied by a low sense of smell, so it is impossible or difficult to smell the fragrance of diet, so the elderly prefer dishes with strong taste.

Psychological factors. Abnormal dietary intake is common in the following elderly people: those who are world-weary or lonely, those who feel uncomfortable in nursing homes or hospitals, and those with abnormal mental state. Elderly people with abnormal excretory function and unable to take care of themselves sometimes take care of the needs of caregivers and often control their food intake.

2. Social factors will affect the nutritional intake of the elderly.

The social status, economic strength, living environment and values of the elderly have great influence on their diet. Life difficulties lead to a decrease in the types and quantities of alternative diets; Lack of nutrition knowledge will lead to partial eclipse or repeated consumption of the same food, leading to nutritional imbalance; Old people who live alone or are very old may have problems in food procurement or cooking even if they have no financial difficulties. The influence of values on diet is equally important. People's ideas and requirements on diet vary greatly. Some elderly people think that "no one can eat without work".

Factors affecting the nutritional intake of the elderly

3. How do the elderly get nutrition correctly?

No special vitamin supplements are needed. However, it is suggested that the elderly who have been vegetarian for many years can supplement vitamin B 12. However, additional vitamin D supplementation may be required. Vitamin D supplementation can not only help calcium absorption and maintain bone health, but also enhance muscle health and prevent falls.

Generally speaking, after getting old, the metabolic rate gradually slows down, and it is harder to lose weight than young or middle-aged people. In the outpatient department, I often hear old people say, "I eat very little. Why don't I get younger and thinner?" Mainly because the amount of exercise decreases with age, coupled with poor metabolism, it is difficult to lose weight without reducing food intake a lot. If the elderly at home have a normal diet and have been losing weight, it is necessary to pay attention to whether there are physical problems, such as depression or tumor, which will cause drastic changes in weight in the short term.

A balanced and nutritious diet for the elderly

Nutritional diet for the elderly 1: less fat. The saturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, required by the elderly should maintain an appropriate proportion, which is generally 1.25: 1. Therefore, lean meat, fish and poultry with less vegetable oil and saturated fatty acids should be selected, and fat, lard and butter should not be eaten more. Try to eat celery, mushrooms, vegetables, fruits, beans, potatoes and other high-fiber foods, which are rich in fiber and should be eaten every day.

Factors affecting the nutritional intake of the elderly

Nutritional diet collocation of the elderly 2: Moderate hunger and satiety The elderly have poor ability to regulate hunger and satiety due to endocrine changes and relative reduction of digestive enzyme secretion, and often have hypoglycemia when they are hungry, which will increase the burden on the heart when they are full. Especially vegan elderly people, because they eat all plant-based foods and have poor hunger tolerance, they should eat less and eat more meals on time. Generally eat at least three meals a day, and it is best to add two or three supplementary meals.