I am increasingly aware of how poor (according to my standards) the diet of lots of old people is. The ones I know seem to take in too much cake, bread, pasta, biscuits, sweets, soups and too little meat, eggs and dairy. They have been brainwashed by too much conventional wisdom to avoid fat and therefore they are getting too little protein and fat.
There is an interesting report here that old people who consume a higher level of dietary protein are less likely to suffer hip fractures than those whose daily dietary protein intake is less.
There is an interesting report here that old people who consume a higher level of dietary protein are less likely to suffer hip fractures than those whose daily dietary protein intake is less.
In addition to increased dietary protein, Dr. Hannan says regular exercise to build stronger muscles and better balance, as well as other falls prevention strategies, such as reducing hazards in the home, can help protect seniors against falls and hip fractures.
Comments
Cynthia
There is often a split between what motivates the elderly compared with what motivates younger individuals. Younger people tend to perceive themselves as 10 foot tall & bullet proof and will take any health recommendations secondary to taste, pleasure, social standing, etc.
The elderly however, are often faced with their own mortality, whether that be via their own personal health status or via the illness or death of a friend or relative. These people are more likely to believe their primary health care provider if they are told they should avoid fat or meats due to CVD/Cancer risk etc.
This sort of thing is seen clearly when you look at motivating factors for smoking cessation by age. A young man is more likely to quit smoking if you tell him it makes him smell and women find him unattractive. An elderly man is more likely to quit smoking if he has witnessed a friend or relative die from a smoking related illness or they have had a scare themselves.
So I agree with Chris & Cynthia that they are more likely to be avoiding fat & protein due to the false perception that it is better for them.
I do know a few boomers (50's-60's) who are health concious. they tend to work out in some fashion but most are still over weight. The low fat/aerobics paradigm still reigns, although strength training is getting more popular.
Most older people who know about "paleo" diets, including me, think of it as just another fad.
Griff
Poverty - fresh meat in particular is relatively expensive. For an old person surviving on the state pension, quantity is often a much higher priority than quality. When supermarkets are selling 'ready' meals at £1 each or 4 for £3, no wonder you'll find old people opting for these!
Preparation - I've watched various relatives prepare less and less fresh food from scratch the older they get. Physical and even mental degenerations mean that some older people simply can't stand in the kitchen long enough to prepare and cook quality meals, so will revert to 'ready' meals, sweets, biscuits etc.
Prior habit - my mother was 9 years old when WW2 started. She has often talked of the food rationing and what families did to eke out the meagre supplies. There was certainly little meat but an awful lot of soup. My mother still leans towards these preferences at the age of 80. You may need to look to these acquired habits for some explanations of diet in the elderly population.