In elderly patients, which of the following factors typically affects caloric needs?

Decreased metabolic rate is a significant consideration when evaluating caloric needs in elderly patients. As individuals age, there is a natural decline in the basal metabolic rate due to several factors, including loss of lean muscle mass and hormonal changes. This decrease in metabolic rate means that elderly individuals typically require fewer calories to maintain their body weight compared to younger adults.

While factors like increased physical activity can influence caloric needs positively by increasing energy expenditure, elderly patients often experience a reduction in activity levels. Higher dietary fiber requirements and increased protein intake, while important for overall health, do not specifically address the overall caloric needs but rather the quality and composition of the diet. Understanding that decreased metabolic rate is a central factor in calorie requirements helps in tailoring dietary recommendations to prevent weight gain or loss in this population.