Therapeutic diet
Older adult nutrition plan
Protect muscle, bone and independence in later life.
FrailtySarcopeniaOsteoporosisDementiaRecovery after a fall
Principles
- Protein needs rise with age — spread 25–30 g across each main meal
- Combine with resistance activity, or the protein does far less
- Thirst declines with age; drink to a schedule, not to thirst
- Watch for social causes: eating alone, cost, transport, poor dentition
Include
- Eggs, fish, dairy, beans and meat at every main meal
- Calcium and vitamin D daily
- Soft, easy-to-prepare, energy-dense foods
- Fluids offered regularly through the day
Avoid or limit
- Long gaps without eating
- Low-fat products in someone losing weight
- Meals that are difficult to chew with poor dentition
A sample day
- BreakfastEggs on buttered toast, milky tea
- Mid-morningMilky coffee and a biscuit
- LunchFish in sauce, mashed potato, soft vegetables
- AfternoonYoghurt or custard
- DinnerSoup with cheese and buttered bread
- BedtimeMilky drink
Cautions
- · Unplanned weight loss in an older adult is never 'just age' — investigate it.
- · Check dentures, taste changes and medication side effects before assuming poor appetite.
Recipes that fit
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.