Fueling Recovery: A Look at Nutrition in Elderly Patients

Older adults in rehab need the right amount of energy and protein to heal. But how do they get it? A recent study dug into this question. It focused on patients getting special diet plans from dietitians. The goal was to see if these plans met the patients' needs. First, the study used a cool tool called indirect calorimetry. This tool measures how much energy a person burns. It's like a fitness tracker, but more accurate. With this info, dietitians can set the right energy goals for patients. But energy isn't the only thing that matters. Protein is also key for healing. The study also checked if patients got enough protein. This is important because older adults often need more protein than younger people.The study found that many patients didn't meet their energy goals. This is a problem because not enough energy can slow down recovery. It can also lead to other health issues. The study also found that some patients didn't get enough protein. This can make it harder for the body to heal and build muscle. So, what's the takeaway? Even with special diet plans, many elderly patients in rehab aren't getting enough energy and protein. This is a big deal because nutrition is a key part of recovery. The study suggests that dietitians might need to rethink their approach. They might need to find new ways to ensure patients get what they need.