Whether you're 7 or 77, drinking milk at any age is important for good health. Milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, which older adults tend to need more of, to maintain bone strength, preserve muscle strength, and prevent osteoporosis.
Low-fat milk, almond milk and soymilk offer substantial amounts of calcium, protein and other nutrients good for bone and muscle health, which is extremely important for older adults. If you're looking for a lower-calorie drink, unsweetened almond milk can have as few as 30 calories in eight ounces.
The recommendation for milk, cheese, yoghurt and/or alternatives for women is: 2.5 serves/day for women 19-50 years of age; and, 4 serves/day for women 50 years of age and over.
Milk is an important source of fats, protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D, and children of any age as well as adults can continue to drink it for the rest of their lives if they wish.
Recommended Dairy Intake
Adult men and women above the age of 50 should aim for three cups of dairy per day. This intake can be satisfied via a number of dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese and calcium-fortified soy milk.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Which type of milk is best for the elderly? Low-fat or non-fat milk is a good source of vitamin D and other nutrients. The elderly may drink fresh milk, but those who have lactose-related intolerance may choose lactose-free versions.
Saturated Fat and Heart Disease
Milk and other dairy products are the top sources of artery-clogging saturated fat in the American diet. Milk products also contain cholesterol. Diets high in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, which remains America's top killer.
Without lactase, we cannot properly digest the lactose in milk. As a result, if an adult drinks a lot of milk they may experience flatulence, painful cramps and even diarrhoea.
Milk has long been seen as an important source of calcium and other nutrients, particularly for children. But some researchers suggest that it is not a necessary part of a healthy diet for most adults, and may even be harmful if consumed excessively.
If you aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, it's totally OK to enjoy a regular glass of milk each day. From improving bone health to helping mitigate cognitive decline, drinking milk and incorporating other dairy items into your diet can come with some health benefits.
About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
Even though many nutrients are found in milk, some seniors may not want to drink it because it makes them feel sick and bloated. Like any other food item, it's important for seniors who want to drink milk to take a balanced approach. Seniors should avoid excessive consumption and limit it to a glass or two a day.
General guidelines for how much milk a child each should drink are: 2 – 3 cups per day for children 12-24 months; and 2 – 2½ cups per day for children 2–5 years old. For children over 5 years old, the daily recommendations are 2½ cups to age 8, and then 3 cups for ages 9-18.
Cow's milk is the best option for most people, as it is an important source of protein and calcium. Those trying to lose weight should switch to reduced-fat or skim milk. People who are lactose intolerant should choose lactose-free milk.
LOW RISK: Those who stop consuming milk or refrain from its consumption are at a lower risk of developing cancer, according to research. Other than this, packaged milk available in the market may be low in fat but high in sugar, making us predisposed to diabetes.
Cutting out dairy means you get less B12, which is important within your immune system and helping your body fight off bacteria. Harju-Westman says you can combat this by taking a B12 supplement and eating foods fortified with the vitamin.
The bottom line. If you aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, it's totally OK to enjoy a regular glass of milk each day. From improving bone health to helping mitigate cognitive decline, drinking milk and incorporating other dairy items into your diet can come with some health benefits.
Drinking 1 cup of milk per day of either whole, 2%, 1%, or nonfat dairy milk, provides 8 grams of protein in your day. Therefore, milk is an easy way to get close to the recommended daily amount of protein for an adult 60 and older.
Among the unhealthiest: Banana milk. Super high in sugar, carbs and calories, without very much fiber and protein. Outstanding flavor: Oat milk. Creamy texture, combined with a sweet, rich but mild taste give it the perfect flavor profile.
The best dairy milk for people with high cholesterol is fat-free or skim milk. Plant-based milks, such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk, are cholesterol-free alternatives to cow's milk.
“We have the highest amounts of lactase when we are young because as babies, we feed on milk. But we often make less and less lactase as we age,” she says. “About 65% of people may experience lactose intolerance at some point in their lives.”