Nutrition for the Elderly HLTH 120 N Lecture

Nutrition for the Elderly HLTH 120 N: Lecture 18

Objectives �Differentiate between life span & life expectancy �Know what physiologic changes occur with aging & give examples �Identify micronutrient considerations �Understand concerns that threaten health �Identify available community programs

Older Adults �Age 65 years and older �Age >85 years: “Very elderly” Fastest growing U. S. population subgroup �Average U. S. life expectancy = 78. 1 years �Life span: the age to which the longest-living member of the species has lived

Physiologic Changes of Aging Declined sensory perception �Abnormal taste perception secondary to disease or medication use �Declined olfactory perception �Loss of visual acuity �Food selection and preparation techniques

Physiologic Changes of Aging Gastrointestinal Function �Declined salivary production �Dysphagia: ______________ �Atrophic gastritis Vitamin deficiency? �Lactose intolerance

Physiologic Changes of Aging Body Composition �Increased body fat �Sarcopenia Decreased _________ �Bone mineral density declines �How can muscle mass & strength be maintained?

Physiologic Changes of Aging Organ Function Decreases � Less adaptable to environmental/physiologic stressors � Kidneys: � Liver: � Pancreas: � Bladder control may decline � Heart: � Brain: Neurons decrease What does this impact?

Factors Accelerate Aging �Biologic age is influenced by lifestyle:

Macronutrients energy needs from loss of muscle mass and lean tissue � �Recommendations for fat, carbohydrate, proteins: currently same as for younger adults �Older adults can eat slightly less fiber

Micronutrients Differences to prevent disease progression �Calcium & vitamin D : poor calcium absorption & reduced vitamin D production inskin �Iron needs : reduced muscle mass; no menstruation �Adequate intake of B-vitamins (B 12, B 6, and folate) is a special concern

Fluid �AI for fluid: same as for younger adults Men: 3. 7 liters/day Women: 2. 7 liters/day �Impaired thirst perception �Decline in bladder control �Risks?

Concerns Threatening Health Overweight and Obesity �↑severity & consequences of osteoarthritis �Limits mobility Weight loss improves functional status Underweight �Low protein stores ↑ infection �Causes & treatment?

Osteoporosis �Diagnosed after menopause as _____ levels sharply decline �Males linked to declining testosterone & steroid therapy �Most common/serious risk: fracture �Osteoporosis treatment and supplementation resistance training medications

Arthritis �One of the most prevalent chronic diseases �Osteoarthritis: a disease of “wear and tear” Common with _____________ �Rheumatoid arthritis: typically strikes younger adults �Glucosamine-Chondroitin

Additional Concerns �Constipation—fluid and insoluble fiber �Dental health issues: may avoid healthful foods �Eye disorders studies show which supplements are helpful? �Dementia: lower risk with antioxidants, certain unsaturated fatty acids, folate, vitamin B 12, healthy weight

Medication �Polypharmacy: more than prescription medications at once �Affects appetite �Alters digestion and absorption �Food–drug interactions �Appropriate supplement use can enhance nutritional status of older adults

Social Concerns �Elder abuse and neglect Denial of healthful food & fluids �Food insecurity and hunger 7% of elderly What is available? �Social isolation Options?

Community Programs �Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) �Child and Adult Care Program �Commodity Supplemental Food �Nutrition Services Incentive Program �Emergency Food Assistance Program