Older people need fewer calories because their metabolism (basic energy needs of the body) slows with age. Seniors should eat a variety of foods to provide the body the nutrients it besoin.16 Sometimes seniors do not consume all the nutrients they need because of lack of availability of certain foods, particularly in northern and remote communities.
Transport problems and costs can also cause problems for seniors to get some food. It may happen that some immigrant seniors do not know where to buy specific foods or they can not get them due to lack of transportation. Most seniors have low income and they may not be able to afford more nutritious but more expensive. Traumatic events and psychological changes can affect the appetite of the elderly. Finally, the culture, the cultural uprooting, lifestyle and chronic disorders affecting the eating habits of seniors from different façons.
Constipation, osteoporosis and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (such as anemia, for example) are some of the nutritional problems that affect the elderly because their diets may be deficient in calcium, iron and vitamin A and C. Seniors of Aboriginal, African and Asian may have an inability to digest milk and a doctor must prescribe calcium substitutes or medications. Seniors who have problems chewing should be encouraged to choose softer foods in each food catérogie. Dentures should also be verified because the jaw changes with age. Some medications such as diuretics increase the need for potassium.
