Considering the large portion of the population elders make up, information regarding their nutritional status is long over due. When examining nutrition for the elderly, one must consider many factors. One must take into account the elder s body composition and level of activity when evaluating necessary nutrient and energy intake amounts. Available resources must also be appreciated if any understanding of the elder s nutritional status is to be accomplished. Currently RDA for elders 65 years and older are the not differentiated from adults over 50 years old.
Physical activity is the key variable for energy needs in the elderly, as it is for younger adults.
The variability between elders in their physical activities is one reason following the Recommended Energy Intakes provides some with excess calories and others with inadequate calories. Further, the REE is largely influence by lean body mass, which is largely influence by physical activity. Therefore, the most significant variable for energy need is the amount of physical activity in which an elder participates. When analyzing the elderly population s current dietary pattern it is apparent there are some vitamin and mineral deficiencies. All of which are very important functions for the elderly individual.