Elderly nutrition is an issue of concern for many older adults and their caregivers. Changes that naturally occur in our bodies create challenges for proper nutrient intake and absorption as we age. Goat dairy products have properties that can help address these challenges to reduce the prospect of inadequate nutrition for the elderly.
Goat milk is rich in calcium, protein, beneficial fats, and many vitamins and minerals. But, as you will see, the nutritional components are not the only important aspects of goat milk products in addressing the nutritional challenges of older people.
The first set of challenges to consider involves reduced physical sensation changes and therefore reduced desire for nutritional intake. Many elderly people no longer experience or recognize the feeling of hunger. This alone can cause a significant reduction in food intake, especially if the older person lives alone, with no one to remind them to eat.
Taste sensation also appears to change with age, with many older adults reporting enjoying foods less than they once did. With less pleasure derived from the taste of food, coupled with a decreased feeling of hunger, there is less incentive to eat. Also, as with food, the desire for fluids often decreases, leading to an increased risk of dehydration in older adults.
With less food intake, it is vital that any food consumed is of high nutritional quality. Whole goat’s milk is high in calories and protein and contains more fat, protein and amino acids than cow’s milk. Milk and milk products also taste mild, and smooth textures are generally well accepted. They also mix 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.
Additionally, milk is nearly 90% water and can provide hydration in a form that many older adults find more appealing than water or juice. The milk is also easily flavored with available syrups such as chocolate and strawberry to suit particular tastes.
Digestive problems present a second set of challenges for the elderly that can be supported by incorporating goat dairy into the diet. Gum and mouth problems, such as missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, often minimize the food that can be eaten, contributing to increasing the possibility of nutritional deficiencies. Reduced saliva production also makes even soft foods sometimes difficult to swallow.
The next problem appears in the stomach, where many elderly people have reduced production of stomach acid. This makes it difficult to digest food and absorb nutrients. To further complicate matters, food travels more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract of older adults, often leading to constipation.
Goat milk products are particularly well suited to support these challenging areas. Aside from hard cheeses, goat milk products are soft and can be easily mixed with other soft foods, such as fruit puree, to provide nutritious snacks or meals. The consistency can even be thinned to the point where a straw can be used, creating nutrient-dense liquid meals or snacks. Milk or yogurt can be added to blended vegetables or meats to moisten and fortify.
And, goat milk is one of the easiest foods available to digest, thanks to some unique properties of its protein and fat molecules. With a protein structure that is fully digested before reaching the large intestine, goat milk has also been shown in studies to support mineral metabolism in the body. This additional benefit of goat’s milk is important in preventing softening of the bones, a very important factor in the health of the elderly.
To aid gastrointestinal health, fermented goat milk products such as yogurt and buttermilk can be taken. These have bacteria that benefit the digestive process.
Proper nutrition for the elderly has a unique set of challenges including physical limitations and the natural decline in bodily functions. The individual evaluation of these limitations is essential to provide satisfactory solutions.
Goat dairy products can play an important role in addressing these challenges. Goat’s milk has long been noted for its mildness and has properties that make it significantly more suitable for the nutrition of the elderly than cow’s milk.
Goat milk is versatile, highly digestible, and rich in nutrients. Goat’s milk’s protein and fat content can help support weight and muscle maintenance, while the vitamins and minerals provide nutrients necessary for body and cell function. Milk also contains simple carbohydrates that can provide an energy boost.
Conclusion? Goat dairy products can be a great-tasting and nutritious addition to the diet plan of most older adults.