Higher Protein Intake Essential for Healthy Aging.

In 2025, Stephanie Harris and team from Case Western Reserve University reviewed studies on protein needs in older adults. They found protein metabolism changes with age, leading to muscle loss and weaker immunity. In the US, 30% of men and 50% of women over 71 eat too little protein due to gut issues, less appetite, tooth problems, money worries, and loneliness.

The review showed older folks need 0.55-0.68 g/lb body weight daily, up to 0.91 g/lb if sick or active, from lean meats, dairy, and eggs. This boosts muscle strength (up to 20% more), fights infections, heals wounds faster, and improves life quality by reducing falls and hospital stays.

I recommend aiming for 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight daily from varied sources so if you fall short, you are still in the optimum range.