Elderly Nutrition Challenges Meet Their Match in Goat Milk

Elderly nutrition is a topic of concern for many senior adults and their caretakers. Naturally occurring changes in our bodies create challenges for adequate nutrient intake and absorption as we age. Dairy products, and goat milk, in particular, have properties that can help meet these challenges to reduce the prospect of inadequate nutrition for the elderly. Goat milk is high in calcium, protein, beneficial fats, and many vitamins and minerals. But, as you'll see, the nutritional components are not the only important aspects of goat milk products for meeting senior nutritional challenges. The first set of challenges to consider involves changes of reduced physical sensations, and therefore, reduced desire for nutritional intake. Many elderly no longer experience or recognize feelings of hunger. This, by itself, can cause a significant reduction in the intake of food, particularly if the elderly person lives alone, with no one to remind them to eat. Additionally, the sensation of taste seems to change with age, with many older adults reporting reduced pleasure in foods they once enjoyed. With less pleasure gained from the taste of food, along with reduced feelings of hunger, there is less incentive to eat. Also, as for food, the desire for liquids is often diminished, causing an increased risk of dehydration in elderly adults. With less food intake, it's vital that any food consumed be of high nutritional quality. Whole goat milk is calorie and protein-rich, containing more fat, protein and amino acids than cow's milk. Milk and dairy products also have a mild taste, and the smooth textures are usually well-accepted. They also blend easily with many cooked foods, and milk, plain yogurt, or sour cream can be used to moisten foods that would otherwise be dry or difficult to chew. In addition to the nutritional properties, milk is nearly 90% water, and can provide hydration in a form that many older adults find more appealing than water or juice. Milk is also easily flavored with available syrups, such as chocolate and strawberry, to suit particular tastes. Another set of challenges involves digestive issues. Digestion of food begins in the mouth, and a common problem with aging is missing or loose teeth, which can hinder the ability of older adults to chew firm foods. Saliva production is usually also reduced, making foods difficult to swallow. In the stomach, we find that a reduced production of stomach acid interferes with digestion, making it more difficult for the elderly to obtain and utilize nutrients from their food. Finally, food moves more slowly through the digestive tract as we age, often resulting in constipation. Goat milk products are a match for these challenges, also. Milk and soft cheeses can be mixed or pureed with fruit or other foods to a mixture that's the right consistency for the chewing abilities of the elderly person. Harder cheeses can be melted and mixed in with soft vegetables. Goat milk products are particularly easy to digest, due to the unique properties of the fat and protein molecules, and studies have shown that consumption of goat milk actually enhances mineral metabolism by the body. Goat milk protein is completely digested before it reaches the large intestine, so it should not contribute to constipation problems. Additionally, fermented goat milk products like yogurt and buttermilk contain bacteria that are beneficial to gastrointestinal health. Proper nutrition for the elderly has a unique set of challenges that includes physical limitations and natural decline of bodily functions. Individual assessment of these limitations is essential to providing satisfactory solutions. Goat milk and goat dairy products can play a significant role in meeting these challenges. Goat milk has long been noted for its gentleness, and has properties that make it significantly more suited for elderly nutrition than cow's milk, as can be viewed in the article, http://www.everything-goat-milk.com/goat-milk-vs-cow-milk.html . Goat milk is versatile, highly digestible and nutrient-rich. The protein and fat content of goat milk can help contribute to weight and muscle maintenance, while vitamins and minerals provide necessary nutrients for body and cell function. Milk also contains simple carbohydrates that can provide a boost in energy. Conclusion? Goat milk can make a great-tasting, nutritious addition to the diet plan of most elderly adults.