It is also important to determine which patients are good candidates for surgery. French, J.M. Food and Hygiene of Old Age. As individuals age, their energy level decreases. Sight dims, digestion slows, strength declines, teeth decay, arteries harden, and the memory of recent events is gone. It is especially important to plan for adequate nutrition.
Less food is needed and teeth are decaying making the manipulation of flesh food difficult.
Sufficient bulk is necessary to maintain proper elimination. Cereals, fruits, and vegetables should be the mainstay of a diet along with soups, fish, water, weak tea and coffee. Eggs and meat should be consumed infrequently. More frequent, smaller meals will aid in digestion. The use of alcohol should be curtailed in old age.