The document discusses how sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging, has only been recognized and defined in recent decades. While current nutrition guidelines may be suitable for younger older adults, they are inadequate for frailer elderly individuals. Specifically, the guidelines focus on low-fat diets and weight loss rather than the increased protein needs of older adults to prevent sarcopenia. There is a need for separate nutrition guidelines tailored specifically for older, frailer populations that account for their unique nutritional requirements as they age.

1. changing needs from the past to now
and in the future
Nutrition Society Annual Conference, wellington, NZ, Dec 1-4, 2015
Ngaire Hobbins APD 2015
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2. Sarcopenia only described in the last decade or so
(Evans, WJ and Campbell, WW. Sarcopenia and Age-Related Changes in Body Composition and Functional Capacity J. Nutr. 1993 123: 2 Suppl
465-468 )
and defined in the European consensus 2010
(A. J. Cruz-Jentoft, J. P. Baeyens, J. M. Bauer et al., “Sarcopenia: European consensus on definition and diagnosis,” Age and Ageing,
vol. 39, no. 4, Article ID afq034, pp. 412–423, 2010.
Now widespread acceptance of it’s influence
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3.  Loss of muscle mass and strength (starts in 50s)
◦ Reduced anabolism
 Hormones reduce – GH, androgens,oestrogens
 Innervation impacted (fewer motor units and reduced capacity of
each)
 Low protein intakes may blunt anabolic effect of absorbed Aas
◦ Increased catabolism
 Chronic Inflammation exacerbated by illness, stress
 More illness, fragile skin
 Immobility
 Compounded by commonly reduced activity levels and
inadequate protein intake
 health messages applicable to younger people
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4. ◦ Impaired immune response
 more frequent infection/illness
 More severe infection/ illness
 higher risk of post op infection
◦ Reduced ability to maintain organs
◦ Slowed wound repair
◦ Impaired fuel supply to the brain
◦ Diabetes control hampered
 Worsening control in those previously diagnosed
 Increased likelihood of T2D in previously undiagnosed
◦ Increased falls risk
◦ Drain on health resources and reduced quality of life
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• Focus on fruits, veg grains
• About 0.8 or 1g protein per kg BW – not older age specific
• Low fat eating promoted
• Focus on keeping weight down
• Great for young-old but not for older-old
• No separate older persons guide (comment on
inadequacy in frail elderly)
• Focus on low fat, weight reduction
• Protein serves below adequate for older adults

6. Too many older people suffer malnutrition that can be avoided
Guidelines for the oldest old?
for the frail?
who thinks they are in these groups?
My personal solution was to
research and write a book for people
65 plus to alert them to the unique needs of ageing bodies
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