You\u2019ve taken over preparing meals for your mom and dad. You cook the same items and figure you\u2019re meeting their needs. Is that really the case or are their needs different to yours?<\/p>\n
Lower Calorie Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n The number of calories your mom and dad need depend on their activity levels. It also depends on your gender. Up until the age of 36, men need 2,400 to 3,000 calories per day. Women need 1,800 to 2,400 to the age of 31 and then it declines.<\/p>\n After that, it declines to 2,200 to 2,800 for men and 1,800 to 2,200 for women. At the age of 50, it declines again for women. It drops to 1,600 to 2,200. Men remain the same until the age of 56 when it drops to 2,200 to 2,600.<\/p>\n Another drop in calories comes in the 60s for women when the range drops to 1,600 to 2,000. Men drop once more at the age of 76 to 2,000 to 2,400. Generally, only those with high activity levels should be consuming the maximum calories. Any person who is sedentary or only moderately active should stick to the low end.<\/p>\n Changes to Digestion<\/strong><\/p>\n As you age, your stomach acid production can decline. If that happens, it makes it hard for the body to absorb several nutrients. B vitamins, calcium, and iron are some of the nutrients seniors don\u2019t always get enough of.<\/p>\n By focusing on foods that are rich in those nutrients, it helps. To ensure your mom and dad get enough calcium and vitamin D, look for juices that have added calcium. Breakfast cereals that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D are other foods to consider adding.<\/p>\n