Is Your Elder Getting Enough Protein?

Typically, the appetite seems to decrease in many elderly people. It's sometimes a struggle to get the necessary nutrition into your elder. I find the desire for cookies, cakes, pies, and snack foods is greater than the desire for healthy meals.

I often prepare small, very attractive meals for this reason. If allowed to choose the foods myself, I select lean meats, eggs, fish, and vegetable proteins, along with raw or lightly cooked vegetables.


But, how do you know if your elderly family member or client is getting enough protein, and if they are absorbing it? Supplementing with a clean whey protein seems to be the very best answer. Please read what Dr. Michael Colgan says about this:

Protein Absorption
Dr Michael Colgan 15 January 2014
Whey and casein proteins from milk have the greatest bioavailability when compared to popular protein alternatives, including egg, soy, and all other vegetable proteins. 
Undenatured whey protein is water soluble, thus is quickly digested in the body, earning it the “fast protein” title. It’s amino acids are quickly available in large quantities soon after consumption (30-45 minutes).
Casein is water insoluble and coagulates, resulting in a slow-release mechanism of amino acids over a longer period of time. Consumption of a casein supplement results in slower availability of amino acids, which is why it is labeled a “slow protein.” Although superior to egg, soy, and other vegetable protein, casein proteins are too slowly absorbed to take advantage of the greater anabolic state of the body that occurs for about 90 minutes after workout (Campbell et al., 2007; Wilson and Wilson, 2006).

Campbell B, Kreider RB, Ziegenfuss T, La Bounty P, Roberts M, Burke D, Landis J, Lopez H, Antonio J International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Sep 26; 4():8.
Wilson J, Wilson GJ. Contemporary issues in protein requirements and consumption for resistance trained athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2006 Jun 5; 3():7-27.

I have my favorite source for undenatured whey protein. If you're curious about that, just ask, or look at my products link to the right. I've been using this for over 7 years, personally, and have seen it make a profound impact in the lives of elderly people. I see increased stamina, strength, focus, and when needed, a loss of excess weight.

Fellow caregivers will receive special care from me, should you choose to give this particular whey protein meal replacement/enhancement a try, for you, or for your elderly client or family member. 

Why you should help your elderly loved ones go nuts

Walnuts, I mean.

If you're looking for something to have around for your elderly loved one to snack on that requires no preparation and is easy to grab, think of going nuts.

I've got other healthy snack and meal ideas for you, but I was reading this today and thought I'd pass it along. Here's the source: Science Daily 

The article states: "Years of research by scientists around the world link regular consumption of small amounts of nuts or peanut butter with decreased risk of heart disease, certain kinds of cancer, gallstones, Type 2 diabetes, and other health problems."

A serving, however, is about 7 walnuts. Not 7 dozen. Try offering 2-3 walnut halves with a mug of tea for an afternoon treat. Herbal tea, maybe with a little honey and/or lemon, will assist in hydration as well.