Senior citizens, like everybody else, are becoming heavier. Between 1982 and 1999, obesity among senior citizens doubled. More than 25 percent of Americans over 50 are now considered obese. Excess weight may impair one's quality of life by placing undue stress on the heart, and aggravating hypertension and diabetes. Other conditions associated with obesity are strokes, gallstones, bone and joint problems, gout, breathing problems and depression.
Calorie needs decline after age 50. Metabolism can decrease by 30 percent over the course of a lifetime. A decrease in calories or an increase in activity is needed to counteract the decline in metabolism.
Most people continue to eat like they always have and become less physically active as they grow older. Although fewer calories are needed, nutrient requirements remain fairly constant.
It is important for senior citizens to eat fewer calorie-rich foods such as sweets, high-fat snack and fried foods, and replace them with more nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are much lower in calories and they contain many more nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals needed by the body. These nutrients help protect the body against chronic diseases.