Older people require fewer calories, but adequate intake of calcium for strong bones can become more important as you grow older. This is particularly true for women, whose risk of osteoporosis increases after menopause. Milk and cheese are rich in calcium as are cooked dried beans, collards, and broccoli. Some people need calcium supplements as well. The body's thermostat tends to function less efficiently with age and the older person's body may be less able to adapt to heat or cold.
Falls are the most common cause of injuries among the elderly.
Good safety habits, including proper lighting, nonskid carpets, and keeping living areas free of obstacles, can help prevent serious accidents. Women tend to outlive men by an average of 8 years. There are 150 women for every 100 men over age 65, and nearly 250 women for every 100 men over 85. Fewer men and women are dying of stroke or heart disease. The elderly consume 25 percent of all medications and, as a result, have many more problems with adverse drug reactions.