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Nutrition of the Elderly

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Book cover Nutrition and the Adult

Part of the book series: Human Nutrition ((HUNU,volume 3B))

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Abstract

There is no clearly defined classification of those who belong in the elderly group. Elderly, old, and aged are relative terms without clear definition. According to Anderson (1976), no individual should be considered old until after 80 years of age. In this discussion, “the elderly” is the term used for all who are 60 years of age and over. Chronological age is the one common factor for this group. The biologic effects of aging are discernible at widely different ages. Metabolic changes may show in the sixth decade of life for some for others, not until after age 80, and there are frequent cases of individuals 90 years of age and over who are more vigorous and mentally alert than some middle-aged adults.

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Todhunter, E.N. (1980). Nutrition of the Elderly. In: Alfin-Slater, R.B., Kritchevsky, D. (eds) Nutrition and the Adult. Human Nutrition, vol 3B. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7216-9_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-7216-9_11

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