Can elderly people safely eat less than 1200 calories?

lthames0810
lthames0810 Posts: 722 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm concerned about a elderly (80 years) relative that is eating around 800 to 900 calories a day. I got her to set up a MFP profile and log her food intake so I can look at her diary. She seems to be eating a healthy diet and she has energy for her activities and even bicycling. Is it possible that at that age, she simply doesn"t need that many calories?

Replies

  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    Her BMR will decrease meaning she will require fewer calories than a young adult, but she should be under a doctor's supervision if her calories are that low. Sometimes elderly people lose their appetite due to age, indigestion, chewing difficulties, etc.

    It's not just about calories--it's about micronutrients, too. It's hard to get enough vitamins and minerals from your diet when your caloric intake is so low. Plus if she is exercising, she will need more than the average 80-year old because most are more sedentary.
  • QuilterInVA
    QuilterInVA Posts: 672 Member
    That could be adequate for her since she is eating healthy foods. You need to eat 100 calories per day less starting at age 40 because your metabolism slows down. You take another 100 off every 10 years so she would now be needing 400 calories a day less than when she was younger. If her activity is sedentary, it could be more.
  • DiamondL88
    DiamondL88 Posts: 32
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