Increasing Protein Intake Can Reduce Disability Risk in Seniors

A study by Newcastle University published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found boosting the daily amount of protein intake can help older adults preserve the ability to perform daily activities and prevent their risks of disability, reports The Tribune . The researchers examined 722 participants in Northeast England, of whom 60 percent were female. Older adults were found to have a lower protein intake than younger adults because of poorer health, reduced physical activity, and changes in the mouth and teeth. The outcomes demonstrated that those who ate more protein were less likely to become disabled in comparison with people who consumed less protein. It is the researchers' recommendation that older adults should aim to eat about 1-1.2 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight.