The nutrition of the elderly is a topic of concern for many older adults and their caregivers. Naturally occurring changes in our bodies create challenges for proper nutrient intake and absorption as we age. Goat milk 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, nutritional components are not the only important aspects of goat milk products to address the nutritional challenges of seniors.
The first set of challenges to consider involves changes in reduced physical sensations and therefore reduced desire for nutritional intake. Many elderly people no longer experience or recognize the sensation of hunger. This alone can lead to a significant reduction in food intake, especially if the older person lives alone, with no one to remind them to eat.
Taste sensations also seem to change with age, with many older adults reporting that they enjoy foods less than they once did. With less pleasure gained from the taste of food, coupled with a decreased sense of hunger, there is less incentive to eat. Also, as with food, the desire for fluids often decreases, leading to a higher 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 have a mild flavor, 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 hard to chew.
Plus, milk is nearly 90% water and can provide hydration in a way 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 milk products into the diet. Often gum and mouth problems, such as missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, minimize the amount of food that can be eaten, contributing to 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 a 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 in 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 purees, 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 strengthen.
And, goat milk is one of the easiest to digest foods available, 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 aid the body’s mineral metabolism. This additional benefit of goat’s milk is important in preventing the softening of bones, a very important factor in the health of the elderly.
To support gastrointestinal health, fermented goat’s 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 of bodily functions. Individual evaluation of these limitations is essential to provide satisfactory solutions.
Goat dairy products can play an important role in meeting 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. The protein and fat content of goat’s milk can help support weight and muscle maintenance, while the vitamins and minerals provide necessary nutrients for cell and body function. Milk also contains simple carbohydrates that can provide an energy boost.
Conclusion? Goat milk products can be a great-tasting and nutritious addition to most seniors’ diet plan.
