Which dietary strategy is recommended for maintaining nutrition in older adults?

Encouraging high-fiber snacks is a recommended dietary strategy for maintaining nutrition in older adults due to several important factors. As individuals age, they often experience changes in digestion and metabolism. High-fiber foods can help manage these changes by promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation, which is more common in older adults.

Additionally, high-fiber snacks can provide satiety without excessive calories, helping older adults maintain a healthy weight. Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, are also generally rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall nutritional intake while supporting heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

This approach prioritizes the need for balanced nutrition rather than restricting intake or promoting overly simplistic diets, such as a fruit-only diet, which may lack essential nutrients that come from other food groups. It addresses the dual needs for adequate caloric and nutrient intake while ensuring digestive health, making it a practical and effective strategy for older adults.