20+ Best Protein Options for Seniors

Protein is vital for our health. It supports our immune system and bone health. But it’s especially important for seniors. It helps prevent muscle loss that comes with aging, supporting mobility and independence.

Despite this, it’s reported that in the U.S., around 30% of men and 50% of women over 71 might not be getting enough protein. In this article, we’ll go over the best protein for seniors and provide tips for meeting this recommended protein intake.

Key takeaways 

• Protein is important for seniors’ overall health, helping to maintain muscle strength and support bone and immune health.

• Seniors can get enough protein from a variety of animal and plant-based protein sources. Protein supplements may also be a good option for filling any gaps in the diet.

• Making protein a part of every meal and snack and encouraging small, frequent meals throughout the day can help seniors get the protein they need.

Best protein sources for seniors

There are a variety of high-protein foods for seniors, including both animal and plant-based proteins.

Animal-based proteins

Animal-based products are often rich in protein. However, some can be high in saturated fat. This fat may increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Lean poultry, such as skinless chicken and turkey, offers a better alternative —  high in protein but low in fat. When choosing pork or beef, opt for lean, tender cuts and consume them in moderation. These lean meats also contain many important nutrients, such as iron and zinc.

Fish, such as salmon, trout, and tuna, is another great protein option packed with all the essential amino acids. Because it’s low in calories, it’s an especially good choice for seniors who are trying to lose weight or for those concerned about heart health. It’s also easier to digest for seniors who may have less appetite. Fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart and brain health and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Low-fat or fat-free dairy options, like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, and kefir, are rich in protein and calcium, which are crucial for strong bones. Eggs are another complete source of protein that many seniors find easy to prepare, eat, and digest. However, individuals who have high cholesterol may want to limit their intake of whole eggs to one per day and incorporate more egg whites.

Plant-based proteins

Plant-based proteins are often low in fat and are a good source of fiber. However, many plant-based proteins are incomplete. For people who also consume animal-based proteins, plant-based proteins can help boost their intake of protein and other nutrients. But people who consumeplant-based proteins primarily should eat a variety of protein sources to ensure that they’re meeting their elderly protein intake requirements.

Soy and quinoa are the two plant-based proteins that are complete. Edamame (soybeans) are rich in fiber in addition to protein. Tofu and tempeh are also both made with soy.  Many people enjoy incorporating tofu and tempeh into their meals because it’s versatile and easy to cook while also being rich in protein. 

Beans like chickpeas, white beans, kidney beans, and black beans, along with lentils, are great vegetarian protein sources. They also provide fiber and other important nutrients. For a combination of protein and healthy fats, try nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. However, keep in mind that nuts can be high in calories, so portion control is key — ideally, a small handful or one ounce of whole nuts per day.

Protein supplements

For seniors who have trouble with their appetite or difficulty swallowing, protein supplements can help them meet their protein needs. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your diet.

Whey protein (whey protein isolate or WPI) is frequently recommended for seniors because it’s high-quality and easily absorbed. Researchers have found it to be effective for senior muscle health. You can mix whey protein into both water and milk, but mixing it with low-fat milk or yogurt provides an additional protein boost. Some brands also make unflavored whey protein. This can be added to anything, such as soups, mashed potatoes, and pancakes, to boost the protein content. For a dairy-free option, pea protein is easily digestible and has similar benefits to whey protein.

When looking for a protein powder for seniors, choose one that contains at least 20-25 grams of protein per serving and less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving. Also, be cautious with those that contain artificial sweeteners, as they can cause digestive issues in some people. It’s important to note that supplements also don’t undergo the same rigorous testing that our foods or medicines do. For this reason, it’s best to choose a protein powder that has been third-party tested to ensure its safety. 

Collagen peptides are another frequently used protein supplement. While collagen isn’t a complete protein, it can be beneficial as it helps support joint and bone health and can stimulate muscle protein synthesis when combined with calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen per day in the form of hydrolyzed collagen (also called collagen peptides) may help with joint pain and arthritis.

Do seniors need protein?

Protein is an essential nutrient, more so for the elderly. As we age, our muscle mass tends to decrease. According to Harvard Health, nearly 50% of adults over 80 lose muscle mass. Moreover, without regular strength training, we can lose 4-6 pounds of muscle every decade. This muscle loss can affect independence. It also raises the risk of falls, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Eating enough protein is one way to help prevent and manage muscle loss. Protein also supports bone health and immunity and gives people the strength and energy to enjoy their favorite activities. 

Recommended protein intake

Adults over 18 should aim for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That's about 0.36 grams per pound. But some evidence suggests that senior protein requirements may be higher, at 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This equals about 0.45 to 0.54 grams per pound. For example, a senior weighing 150 pounds (68 kilograms) should get between 68 and 82 grams of protein per day. 

The USDA’s Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) calculator can be used to calculate how much protein a person should eat per day. It considers the individual’s age, weight, height, and activity level.

The best way to eat protein is throughout the day so that your muscles are able to use this protein. A good way to do this is to ensure that a protein source is part of each meal or snack. For seniors who aren’t getting enough protein, adding it to meals that they already eat and enjoy can be helpful. For example:

• Mixing chia seeds into oatmeal or making a chia seed pudding with chia seeds, milk, and a drizzle of liquid sweetener

• Adding beans to a salad

• Substituting quinoa for white rice

• Adding lean ground meat or lentils to pasta sauces

• Trying chickpea or lentil-based pastas

• Using hummus as a sandwich spread

• Combining lean meats and beans in soups and stews

• Adding black beans to tacos

• Choosing beverages high in protein, such as milk

Bottom line

The best protein sources for older adults include lean meats, low-fat dairy, and plant-based sources such as beans, nuts, and seeds. Protein supplements can also help those who have trouble getting enough protein from the food they eat. However, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before changing your diet. They can guide you through adding additional protein to your diet and on tracking your progress.

Frequently asked questions

How much protein do seniors need daily?

Most seniors need 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. This equates to  0.45 to 0.54 grams per pound.

What are the best protein sources for elderly people?

Animal sources like poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy are good sources of protein. Good plant-based sources of protein include beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh. 

Should seniors take protein supplements?

Protein supplements can help seniors get enough protein, especially when they aren’t getting the recommended intake through their diet. However, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding protein supplements to your diet.

Can seniors get enough protein from plant-based foods?

Yes, it’s possible to get enough protein from plant-based foods, especially with a varied diet. Tofu and tempeh are among the best plant-based sources of protein. Beans, lentils, and protein-rich grains such as quinoa are also good sources.

What protein is easiest for seniors to digest?

Lean proteins, eggs, and low-fat dairy products such as yogurt or cottage cheese are the easiest to digest. Yogurt and kefir also contain probiotics, which can support digestion.

How can seniors increase protein intake with poor appetite?

Eating small, frequent meals that contain rich protein sources throughout the day can help seniors get enough protein. Soups and smoothies are also easy to eat, but can be rich in protein.

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