Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, fish, spinach, and vegetable greens. For example there are 302 milligrams of calcium in one 8 ounce cup of skim milk. Supplementation may be needed, but excess calcium intake should be avoided. Older women often complain of constipation. Foods rich in fiber include fruits, vegetables, and grains.
People often gain weight as they age.
Their metabolism becomes slower and they need less food to maintain the same weight. An exercise program, combined with a healthy diet, can help burn off more calories as well as prevent problems linked to being overweight. Unplanned weight loss late in life is usually a sign of a serious problem. Weight loss also can occur in people unable to obtain food, such as those with memory loss, physical disabilities, or limited financial resources. Loss of appetite is not a part of normal aging, but there may be a delay in recignizing and managing nutritional deficiencies in older people.