Elders 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, the nutritional components are not the only important aspects of goat milk products for meeting senior nutritional challenges. Some of the special nutritional needs of the elderly are a result of diminished physical sensations. In particular, many elderly persons report that they no longer feel hungry or thirsty. When living alone, these people often “forget” to eat or drink, as they don’t experience the normal sensations of hunger and thirst. And, when they do eat, it is often minimal amounts, because the sense of taste has also changed. Thus, with few feelings of hunger or thirst, and little pleasure in the taste of food, there is hardly any physical incentive to eat or drink. Because of this, the small amounts of food or drink that are ingested need to have a big nutritional impact. Goat milk and goat dairy products are higher in protein, fat, calcium and some vitamins than cow’s milk. Goat milk and soft dairy products, like yogurt and sour cream, can be easily blended with foods, such as fruits, soups and stews, and cooked vegetables to significantly increase the calorie and protein content. Goat milk is a nutritional powerhouse, and can help provide needed hydration as well as nutrients. Milk and soft dairy products have a mild taste, and can be eaten plain or flavored in a wide variety of ways: from sweet, with syrups, jellies or fruits, to savory and spicy with various herbs. 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 “Goat milk is a nutritional powerhouse...” 48 WomanToWomanMagazine.com
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