Nutrition challenges in senior care: Protein and diabetes

Nutritional management in senior care facilities faces significant challenges, particularly regarding diabetes and protein deficiency. Arnd Zimmermann, founder of à la QUARTO, notes that while medical care and staffing often receive priority, nutrition is frequently only addressed once health problems arise.

As people age, appetite and energy needs often decrease, yet nutrient requirements remain high. The German Nutrition Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung) recommends approximately 1.0 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for healthy individuals over 65. However, issues such as chewing or swallowing difficulties, medication, and declining sensory perception can lead to reduced food intake.

Effective care requires moving away from universal meal plans toward individualized nutrition. Because residents have varying needs based on illnesses, preferences, and intolerances, facilities must ensure reliable communication between nursing staff, nutritionists, and kitchen personnel to meet specific dietary demands.