Aging isn’t what it used to be. Many older adults are staying active, working longer, and living well into their 70s and 80s. But as the body changes, so do nutritional needs, especially when it comes to nutrition.
You can’t rely on the same eating habits you had in your 30s or 40s. And for employers, health plans, or wellness teams, it’s important to understand how these changes affect the health of aging adults. Supporting the right nutritional needs can make a big difference in long-term well-being and quality of life.
It’s Not Just About Eating Less
As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. That means we burn fewer calories, even if we’re still active. But here’s the catch: while we may need fewer calories overall, we actually need more of certain nutrients.
For example:
- Protein helps prevent muscle loss, which becomes more common with age.
- Calcium and vitamin D support bone health and help reduce fracture risk.
- Vitamin B12 is harder to absorb over time but is crucial for brain and nerve function.
- Fiber supports digestion and helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Hydration becomes more important, since thirst cues can get weaker.
So even if an older adult is eating less, the food they do eat needs to be nutrient-dense.
What Nutrients Are Often Missing?
Older adults are more likely to develop certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These may not cause obvious symptoms at first, but they can lead to fatigue, weakness, and long-term health issues.
Some of the most common gaps include:
- Vitamin B12 – A lack of this can cause brain fog, memory problems, or even balance issues.
- Calcium and Vitamin D – Without enough of these, bones become more fragile.
- Potassium – Low levels can affect blood pressure and heart function.
- Fiber – Important for digestion and heart health, but often lacking in typical diets.
These nutritional needs aren’t always addressed in a standard physical. But paying attention now can help avoid bigger issues later.
What Employers and Wellness Teams Can Do
If your workforce includes older adults, it makes sense to build wellness programs that consider their specific needs. Nutrition is a key part of that.
Here are a few ways to help:
- Offer wellness screenings that include nutrition-related questions.
- Share simple, age-friendly content in your wellness portal—like healthy recipes or hydration reminders.
- Include nutrition coaching or dietitian consultations in your benefits package.
- Make it easy for employees to access healthy snacks, hydration stations, and other resources at work.
Supporting healthy habits at work isn’t just good for morale—it can also help reduce preventable health claims and sick days.
Want to Support Better Health at Every Age?
Helping people meet their nutritional needs isn’t just about food, it’s about giving them the tools and support they need to age well.
MediKeeper’s wellness platform makes it easy to offer targeted health tools, personalized content, and smart engagement strategies for employees of all ages.
