Why Older Adults Should Eat More Protein (And Not Overdo Protein Shakes)

Although the need for more protein intake is higher among seniors, up to 33 percent of older adults opt not to consume an adequate amount because of reduced appetite, dental problems, impaired taste, swallowing difficulties, and limited financial resources, reports Kaiser Health News . A study published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A determined seniors who ate the most protein were 30 percent less likely to become functionally impaired than those who ate the least. A separate study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found people who ate the least amount of protein were almost twice as likely to have problems walking or climbing steps as those who consumed the most. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein among seniors is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. A 2013 study in the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine revised this recommendation to 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Seniors with acute or chronic diseases were suggested to consume 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. Also recommended was for seniors to choose to spread protein intake evenly throughout the day.