Nutrition for older adults and sarcopenia prevention
After 65, muscle loss accelerates and appetite often declines. Sufficient protein intake spread through the day, plus adapted physical activity, are the two best-documented levers.
Gabriela Ferent — Qualified dietitian · Affiliated with the CNS
Protein spread across every meal
Unintentional weight loss — medical assessment
Preserving autonomy
Spread across 3 meals to stimulate muscle.
Bone health and muscle strength.
Maintain alertness and kidney function.
Adapted physical activity is the essential partner of nutrition.
Preventing muscle loss
A chronic — and often invisible — protein deficit accelerates muscle loss, falls and loss of independence. Follow-up targets meals that are simple to prepare, appetising and sufficiently dense in energy and protein.
- Enriching dishes without increasing portion volume
- Texture adaptation for chewing difficulties
- Hydration, often insufficient with age
- Early undernutrition screening, reported to the doctor
What the first consultation evaluates
The assessment covers weight change over six to twelve months, appetite, chewing and swallowing, shopping and meal preparation, mobility, plus the treatments and lab results shared by your doctor.
- Protein spread across the three meals
- Hydration and food texture
- Practical constraints: shopping, cooking, budget, isolation
What the follow-up can realistically achieve
Combined with adapted physical activity supervised by a professional, sufficient protein and energy intake helps limit muscle-mass loss. Muscle ageing is not reversed, and any medical or physiotherapy prescription remains your doctor’s remit.
What belongs to your physician
Diagnosis, tests and medical treatment remain your doctor's responsibility. Dietetic support adapts to them and, with your agreement, a report is sent to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions about nutrition for older adults
No. Energy needs fall little and protein needs increase. Cutting intake accelerates muscle loss.
Ready to start your care pathway?
Book an appointment with Gabriela Ferent — three practices in Luxembourg, consultations with possible CNS coverage on prescription, or privately.
Book an appointment