Nutrition and Diet
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In general, nutrition and dietary requirement for old folks are the same as for everyone else - including good amounts of fruit and vegetables, and a good balance of different foods rather than too much concentration on one thing (whether that's because it's a favourite or it's easy to prepare). Having said that, as we get older we're less able to absorb some of the vitamins from our food, and people who stay indoors most of the time may not get enough sunlight to make vitamin D, even in summer. Therefore consider vitamin supplements such as vitamin D or multivitamins (see below).
Vitamin D and others
Vitamin D comes from the action of sunlight on the skin rather than from food, and so can be lacking in winter in particular. In the UK, government guidance is that all adults should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D as a supplement in the winter months (October to early March) and that those who don't go outside often or have dark skin should take this supplement all year round (see the gov.uk website for 'Vitamin D supplementation during winter').
Separately, as we get older we're less able to absorb some types of vitamins (such as the important B12) from food, so there are multivitamins designed for e.g. age 50+ that contain appropriately increased levels. Don't rely on these as a substitute for a good and balanced diet, and don't take more than the stated dose - there can be too much of a good thing. If you take prescribed medications then before starting vitamin supplements consult a qualified pharmacist.
Salt
Salt gets a special mention, because having too much increases the risk of strokes and heart disease. If you eat a lot of processed food, or sprinkle salt on food or use a lot in cooking, it's easy to exceed the recommended maximum - which is equivalent to just one teaspoon (6g) of table salt a day.
Weight, and nutritional supplements
With reduced activity, calorie requirements may be lower - but equally old folks may struggle to get enough calories because of reduced appetite, difficulty eating, or sleepiness at mealtimes. Weight records over time are useful, and care or nursing homes will usually use a special weighing chair for this.
Raise any concerns you have over weight or nutrition to your GP, who may refer the person to a nutritionist or dietician. Unfortunately, nutritionists can be in short supply, so there may need to be quite a significant weight loss before a referral, and there may be some wait. If seeking a private consultation, do read our section on dieticians and qualified nutritionists.
For information, there are supplements available for specific nutritional and energy needs (such as when someone is struggling to get enough of these from conventional sources), which in the UK can be prescribed on the NHS. These should only be used when prescribed - otherwise you may be increasing blood sugar levels too high. Supplements are often thickened to help those with difficulty swallowing or who cough from drinking or eating, for example Nutilis Complete Drink (thickened level 3) or Fruit (level 4). Nursing homes may also make their own fortified 'milkshakes'.
Constipation and wind
Constipation is more common in old folks, associated with general reduction in the muscles that work things through the digestive system, and particularly with lack of mobility to walk about and for those lying horizontal in bed much of the day. A doctor may prescribe an ongoing mild laxative, as prevention is better than cure, but note that anything other than a short-term need should be prescribed and not self-medicated.
Constipation can also be caused by dehydration - see our section on checking for dehydration.
Unripe (i.e. green) bananas should be avoided, as the starch they contain can give rise to constipation.
Wind (trapped gas) can also be a problem for the same reasons as constipation, and can be quite painful. Avoid having too much food that causes wind (such as beans), and avoid fizzy drinks. There are also medications available.