Nutritional needs change significantly with age. Older adults face unique challenges including reduced appetite, impaired absorption, and muscle loss.

Key challenges in aging nutrition:

• Sarcopenia — age-related muscle loss. Begins at ~40, accelerates after 65. Protein needs increase.
• Reduced stomach acid — impairs absorption of B12, calcium, iron, magnesium
• Decreased bone density — calcium and vitamin D needs increase
• Reduced thirst sensation — dehydration risk increases
• Decreased calorie needs — but micronutrient needs remain the same or increase (nutrient density becomes critical)

Nutritional priorities for older adults:

• Protein: 1.2–1.6g/kg/day to counter sarcopenia
• Vitamin D: 800–1000 IU/day
• Calcium: 1,200 mg/day (women 51+)
• B12: Supplement or fortified foods due to absorption issues
• Hydration: Deliberate water intake regardless of thirst

Reference:

Wikipedia: Nutrition and ageing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcopenia