Many people mistakenly believe that older adults don’t need as much protein as younger adults because they don’t exercise as much. However, older individuals need even more! As the body ages, it loses muscle mass, leading to a higher risk of falls and fractures. More protein and exercise can help improve bone strength and reduce bone loss and fracture risk.
Soy is an excellent source of protein. Soy protein is one of the plant based proteins that is considered “complete” – it is a high quality protein containing all of the essential amino acids needed to support human growth and development.
Older adults need more protein than younger adults!
Muscle mass decreases about 3% – 8% per decade after the age of 30, and even faster after the age of 60. Aging bodies process protein less efficiently, thus older adults actually need more to maintain muscle mass and strength. Without enough protein, they’ll be at risk for slower recovery from illnesses, especially those that occur with old age, losing strength, and being more prone to falls.
Protein Helps Prevent Falls
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. In the United States, more than 90% of all hip fractures in older people are caused by a fall. One in four with a hip fracture will die within a year. Scientists have found that those who ate the least amount of protein lost 57% more muscle mass, compared to those who ate the most protein.
Protein Helps Increase Bone Density
Research has shown that adequate intake of protein can help increase bone mineral density and reduce hip fracture risk. This is particularly important for seniors who already have osteoporosis, have a chronic or acute illness, or are in recovery.
How much protein do older adults need?
The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism suggests healthy older adults consume 1 g – 1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight a day. For someone who weighs about 70 kg, that’s about 84 g of protein a day.
You lose what you don’t use!
Exercising and eating more protein can kick-start the body into maintaining muscle mass and bone density. Keep physically active through daily activities like walking in the park, doing household chores, walking up flights of stairs, hiking, swimming, and weight training. Research shows exercise can increase bone density and strength by altering the micro-architectural bone arrangement. What’s important is to break that habit of sitting down all day, while keeping up protein intake.
Choose Soy Protein Over Animal Protein
Soy is a healthy protein source without cholesterol. It is heart healthy! Soy protein is also a complete protein, meaning that it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs to function properly. Soy protein is also absorbed just as well as animal protein.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that one of the best proteins for diabetic kidneys are plant-based proteins, such as soy, as they provide quality protein without further burdening the kidneys and possibly even protecting diabetic kidneys from further damage.
Some Research
Soy: A Complete Source of Protein
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0101/p43.html
Soy and Cancer: Myths and Misconceptions
https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/soy-and-cancer-myths-and-misconceptions/
Straight Talk About Soy
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/soy/
Protein
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
What are the nutrients that we usally lack as we age?
SoyPro is high in protein and cholesterol free. It is made from 100% pure soy and contains nine essential amino acids for optimal muscle function.
SoyPro is used to build lean muscle mass, aid in recovery, maintain muscle fiber health and provide effective, clinically-proven health benefits.
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