The elderly are the most nutritionally vulnerable group in Australia. Although their energy requirements are quite low (as generally they have lower rates of physical activity), the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand (2006) set some nutrients such as protein higher. The report on The Role of Red Meat in Healthy Australian Diets concluded that lean red meat is a valuable food as it helps the elderly to meet adequate levels of protein, vitamin B12 and iron at low energy intakes. To read more about nutrition for the elderly download these articles:

• Australian experts confirm dietary role of red meat for ‘at risk’ elderly >Read more
• Elderly – higher protein needs >Vital 36 (PDF, 443KB)
• Nutritional challenges facing our older Australians >Vital 30 (PDF, 1.45MB)

References

National Health and Medical Research Council. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes. Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, 2006.

Nutrition & Dietetics, Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia, including the Journal of the New Zealand Dietetic Association, September 2007, vol.64 (Suppl.4), The Role of Red Meat in Healthy Australian Diets.