How much protein should people above 65 eat

Just like any other nutrients and minerals, protein is equally necessary for every individual. It is the building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Every cell of our body needs protein. Even our hair and nails are mostly made of protein. But unlike fat and carbohydrates, our body does not store protein. All the extra amount of protein is removed from the body. This is why it is important to eat a sufficient amount of protein every day.

A person needs at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilo of their body weight. If a person is trying to lose weight then they need to increase their protein intake. An average 50-year-old individual should eat 55 to 70 grams of protein every day.

Even senior citizens need to increase their protein intake. People above 65 years should eat about 70-85 grams of protein every day to stay healthy and fit.

As a person hits the age of 65, they begin to lose weight, their immunity starts to decrease and they also suffer from chronic illness. Due to all these factors, their body does not process the protein efficiently and require more of it to maintain muscle mass and strength, ensure bone health and other essential functions.

Even then a majority of senior citizens do not get the required amount of protein. It can be due to several reasons like loss of appetite, dental issues, impaired taste and financial reasons. Less intake of protein can cause muscle loss, slower recovery and even compromise the mobility in senior citizens.

Every individual needs to eat a sufficient amount of protein every day. Try to add protein-rich food in your diet. Poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs, cottage cheese and yoghurt are common sources of protein. Every meal should have a small amount of protein in it.