Calories are often talked about in the context of dieting and weight loss, but for many older adults, not eating enough can become a much bigger concern. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why calories matter for healthy aging, why unintended weight loss should never be ignored, and practical ways older adults can support adequate nutrition intake.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What calories actually are and why the body needs them
• Why unintended weight loss is concerning in older adults
• How low calorie intake can contribute to muscle loss and frailty
• Why preserving muscle matters for healthy aging
• High-calorie foods that may help support weight maintenance
• Practical ways to increase calories throughout the day
• How calories and protein work together
• When to involve your healthcare team

This episode also discusses why nutrition for older adults is not always about restriction. In many situations, healthy aging nutrition is about making sure older adults are eating enough to maintain strength, physical function, and independence.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

Protein is an important nutrient for healthy aging because it plays a major role in maintaining muscle, strength, physical function, and independence. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why protein matters so much for older adults, how aging affects muscle mass, and practical ways to increase protein intake throughout the day.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why protein is important for older adults
• What sarcopenia is and why it matters
• Protein recommendations for seniors
• Why older adults may benefit from higher protein intake
• Food sources of protein, including plant-based options
• Why exercise and resistance training matter alongside protein
• Signs of low protein intake
• Practical tips for increasing protein intake throughout the day

Protein supports muscle maintenance, healing, immunity, mobility, and overall healthy aging. This episode also explains how protein and exercise work together to help older adults stay strong and maintain independence.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

Fiber is an important nutrient for healthy aging, yet most adults, including older adults, are not getting enough. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why fiber matters for older adults, how it supports digestion and overall health, and practical ways to increase fiber intake safely.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What fiber is and why it matters for healthy aging
• How fiber supports digestion, gut health, heart health, and blood sugar management
• Fiber recommendations for older adults
• Why most adults still need more fiber
• Food sources high in fiber
• Why fluid intake matters when increasing fiber
• When fiber supplements may be helpful
• Why constipation is not always as simple as "eat more fiber"

Fiber plays an important role in bowel regularity, fullness after meals, cholesterol management, and supporting the gut microbiome. This episode also includes a personal story about chronic constipation and why individualized healthcare matters.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for healthy aging, but unlike some other nutrients, the challenge for older adults is often not intake alone. It's absorption. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why vitamin B12 deficiency becomes more common with aging, what symptoms to watch for, and how older adults can support healthy vitamin B12 levels.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What vitamin B12 does in the body
• Why older adults are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency
• How aging affects vitamin B12 absorption
• Vitamin B12 recommendations for older adults
• Symptoms and risks of vitamin B12 deficiency
• Foods high in vitamin B12
• The role of fortified foods and supplements
• Why individualized nutrition care matters

Vitamin B12 supports nerve health, brain health, red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and overall healthy aging. Because deficiency risk increases with age, this nutrient deserves attention in older adulthood.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

Vitamin B6 may not get as much attention as nutrients like vitamin D or calcium, but it still plays an important role in healthy aging. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss what vitamin B6 does in the body, why needs increase with age, and how older adults can make sure they're getting enough.

You'll learn:

• What vitamin B6 does in the body
• Why vitamin B6 needs increase after age 50
• Why some older adults may be at risk for low vitamin B6 intake
• Food sources high in vitamin B6
• Whether older adults need a vitamin B6 supplement
• Why variety in the diet matters for healthy aging

Vitamin B6 supports metabolism, brain health, immune function, nerve function, and red blood cell production. While true deficiency is considered rare, some older adults may not consistently meet recommended intake levels.

This episode also highlights practical and accessible food sources of vitamin B6, including bananas, potatoes, salmon, chickpeas, fortified cereals, and more.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

Calcium is an important nutrients for healthy aging, especially when it comes to maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of fractures as we get older. But calcium does much more than support bone health. It also plays a role in muscle function, nerve signaling, blood clotting, and heart function.

In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why calcium needs change with age, why older adults may be at higher risk for low calcium intake, and how calcium works together with vitamin D to support healthy aging.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why calcium is important for older adults
• How aging impacts bone health and calcium needs
• Calcium recommendations for seniors
• Best food sources of calcium, including non-dairy options
• How vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium
• The difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate supplements
• Why supplements should always be individualized
• Tips for meeting calcium needs if you are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy

This episode also includes practical nutrition tips for older adults who struggle with dairy intake or want to increase calcium through food first.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about calcium and healthy aging.

Vitamin D is one of the most talked-about nutrients in healthy aging, and for good reason. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we're breaking down why vitamin D matters for older adults, why deficiency is so common, and how to know if you're getting enough.

You'll learn:

• Why vitamin D is important for bone health, muscle function, balance, and healthy aging
• Why older adults are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency
• The current vitamin D recommendations for adults over 70
• Foods that naturally contain vitamin D (and why it can still be hard to meet your needs)
• Why lab work matters before starting supplements
• and more

Vitamin D supplements are incredibly common, but more is not always better. This episode emphasizes individualized nutrition care and the importance of working with your healthcare provider when making decisions about supplementation.

Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian

Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about vitamin D and healthy aging.

In this episode of the Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie discusses seven key nutrients that become especially important as we age. While all nutrients matter, certain nutrition needs change in older adulthood due to changes in absorption, muscle mass, bone health, appetite, and overall health.

You'll learn why older adults may need to pay closer attention to:

• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Fiber
• Protein
• Calories

Katie explains how aging can affect nutrient needs, common food sources for each nutrient, and why maintaining adequate nutrition supports strength, independence, and quality of life.

This episode serves as a high-level overview before future deep-dive episodes covering each nutrient in more detail.

Learn more about healthy aging nutrition at The Geriatric Dietitian

Download my free nutrition resource here: 10 Essential Nutrition Tips for Healthy Aging

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit.

How do nutritional needs change over time? And what actually happens inside the body as we age?

In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND breaks down the physiology of aging and explains why nutrition needs are different for older adults.

You'll learn how aging impacts:

• Muscle mass and strength
• Digestion and nutrient absorption
• Taste and smell
• Bone health
• Skin integrity
• Appetite
• Mobility and independence

Katie also explains how common age-related changes like dry mouth, dental issues, sarcopenia, and decreased appetite can affect nutrition intake and overall health.

This episode lays the foundation for understanding senior nutrition and prepares you for future episodes covering specific nutrient needs for older adults.

Whether you are an older adult, caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, this episode will help you better understand the connection between aging and nutrition.

🎁 FREEBIE: Download "10 Essential Nutrition Tips for Healthy Aging" here: Download the Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide

Learn more at The Geriatric Dietitian Website

Welcome to the first episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, your go-to geriatric nutrition podcast for practical, evidence-based guidance to support healthy aging.

In this episode, I introduce the podcast, share my background as a registered dietitian and geriatric nutrition specialist, and explain what you can expect moving forward.

This podcast is designed for older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who want simple, realistic nutrition strategies that support strength, independence, and quality of life.

You'll also learn why geriatric nutrition is not one-size-fits-all and how small, practical changes can make a big impact.

If you're looking for clear, trustworthy nutrition guidance for aging, you're in the right place.

Visit the website:

https://thegeriatricdietitian.com

Grab the 10 Essential Nutrition Tips for Healthy Aging:

https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com

Check out our YouTube:

The Geriatric Dietitian - YouTube