Elderly nutrition is a special needs area 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, as you'll see, the nutritional components are not the only important aspects of goat milk products for meeting senior nutritional challenges.

One area in which goat dairy products can help meet elderly nutritional requirements is the set of issues involving a reduction of physical sensations related to nourishment. Three specific problems related to 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, 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 the small size of its fat molecules enhances absorption. Additionally, fermented goat milk products like yogurt and buttermilk contain bacteria that are beneficial to gastrointestinal health.

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