Protein is a necessary component in the body for energy.
It also plays a key role in creating and sustaining muscle mass. Of course, muscle mass
and general muscular strength is imperative for the body to remain mobile, but it also
helps prevent injury.
The elderly are at a particularly
high risk for severe injury that may come with movement or falling because they have
less muscle mass than younger people. This is not only due to a less active lifestyle,
but nutrition as well. Many older people do not realize their diets are actually
protein deficient. Others slowly cut out things like meat because it is more difficult
to prepare and tougher to chew.
Studies have shown,
however, that if people over the age of 55 maintain a diet that is high in protein, they
are more likely to increase (or maintain) energy and less likely to lose muscle mass as
they age. Nutritionally, consuming an adequate amount of protein also combats
over-eating (and filling up on empty calories or excess carbohydrates) which of course
contributes to becoming over weight and even obese.
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