How does aging affect nutritional needs?

The answer that states aging often requires fewer calories and more nutrients is accurate because as people age, their metabolism generally slows down, leading to a reduced caloric requirement. This change is due to a variety of factors, such as decreased physical activity, changes in body composition, and hormonal shifts.

Despite the lower caloric needs, the demand for certain nutrients tends to increase. For example, older adults often require more protein to help maintain muscle mass, as well as additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, to support bone health and overall well-being. This means that while total calorie intake may decrease, the focus shifts to ensuring nutrient density in food choices to meet the body’s changing nutritional demands.

This understanding helps inform dietary choices that can promote better health and prevent the age-related decline in bodily functions, making option B the most appropriate response. The other options do not accurately capture the nuanced shifts in nutritional needs that occur with aging, particularly the distinct increase in nutrient requirements.