Elderly nutrition is often a topic of special needs for older adults. As we age, changes in our bodies make the formerly simple task of nourishment more of a challenge. Goat dairy products, including goat milk, have special properties that can help meet these needs to provide elderly adults with their daily nutritional requirements.
This special food group can first help meet elderly nutritional requirements in the face of issues involving a reduction of physical sensations related to nourishment. Three specific problems in this area are:(1) diminished sense of hunger, (2) reduced sensation of thirst, and (3) change in the sensation of taste.
One or more of these issues often results in limited nutrient intake. In particular, elderly persons often must be reminded to eat and drink as often as is necessary to provide sufficient nutrition. Many report that they "just don't feel hungry or thirsty." And, when offered food, they may complain that it doesn't taste good, or that it has no taste.
Goat dairy products can provide calorie and nutrient-dense portions in a variety of forms that are quite palatable to the elderly. Milk, sour cream, soft cheeses and yogurt can be blended in with many favorite foods to significantly boost calories, protein and vitamin and mineral content, while improving texture and taste. These dairy products can also be eaten plain, or with fruit or flavorings. Whole goat milk contains more fat and protein than cow's milk, and can provide nutrients and hydration simultaneously.
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 also reduced, making foods difficult to swallow. In the stomach, we find that a reduced production of stomach acid interferes with digestion, making it more difficult for the elderly to obtain and utilize nutrients from their food. Finally, food moves more slowly through the digestive tract as we age, often resulting in constipation.
Goat milk products are a match for these challenges, also. Milk and soft cheeses can be mixed or pureed with fruit or other foods to a mixture that's the right consistency for the chewing abilities of the elderly person. Harder cheeses can be melted and mixed in with soft vegetables. Goat milk products are particularly easy to digest, due to the unique properties of the fat and protein molecules, and studies have shown that consumption of goat milk actually enhances mineral metabolism by the body.
Goat milk protein is completely digested before it reaches the large intestine, and its small fat molecules are easily absorbed. Additionally, fermented goat milk products like yogurt and buttermilk contain bacteria that are beneficial to gastrointestinal health.
Goat milk and other goat dairy products can provide an important contribution in supporting the special needs of elderly nutrition. Although some of the same benefits can also be obtained from cow's milk,the additional nutrients, higher digestibility and unique molecular properties of goat milkmake it much more suitable for the challenges of elderly nutrition. These differences are highlighted in the article Goat Milk vs Cow Milk: a Quick Comparison .
Great tasting, versatile, nutrient-dense and highly digestible, goat milk dairy products can make a healthy addition to most diets, and especially those of the elderly.
