Nutrition in Later Adulthood

8/22/2019 Nutrition in Later Adulthood

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2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Chapter 12

Nutrition Through the Lifespan:Later Adulthood


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Nutrition & Longevity

Past food choicesinfluencelongevity

U.S. populationis graying

People over 85

are the fastest-growing agegroup


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Aging of U.S. Population

Life expectancy1900 = 47 years

2006 = 77 years

Due to advancesin medical science& improvednutrition

Upper limit oflongevity is 130years

Study of aging isthe youngestscientific

discipline Aging

20-30% genetic

70-80% lifestyle


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Slowing the Aging Process

Healthy habits

Adequate sleep

Well-balanced

mealsHealthy weight

Physical activity

Not smoking

Moderate alcohol

Restriction ofkcalories

80% of usual intake

may decrease bodyweight, body fat, &blood pressure, &increase HDL

cholesterolEat fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, &legumes


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Physical Activity

A powerful predictorof mobility in lateryears

Promotes healthyweight, flexibility,endurance, & balance

Tones, firms, &

strengthens muscles Should be

undertaken daily


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Adequate Nutrition &Disease Prevention

Helps prevent obesity,diabetes, &cardiovascular disease

Prevents deficiencydiseases

Variety may protectagainst some cancers

Moderate sugarprevents dental caries

Fiber helps preventconstipation &diverticulosis

Moderate sodium mayprevent hypertension

Adequate calciumprotects againstosteoporosis


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Nutrition-Related Concerns

Cataracts

Age-relatedthickening of the lens

of the eyeCan lead to blindness

Risk factors:oxidative stress &

obesity

MacularDegenerationLeading cause of

blindness inpersons over 65

Risk factor:oxidative stressfrom sunlight

Omega-3 fattyacids may beprotective



Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Most common

Painful swelling of

joints Interventions

Weight loss

Aerobic activity

Weight training

Rheumatoid arthritis

Immune systemattacks bone

coverings Interventions

Vegetables

Olive oil

Omega-3 fatty acids

Low saturated fat



The Aging Brain

Blood supply decreases

Number of neurons

diminishesCerebral cortex: affects

hearing & speech

Hindbrain: affects balance& posture



Aging Brain

Nutrientdeficiencies

Need vitamins &minerals forneurotransmitterfunctioning

Some lossesmay be dietrelated



Alzheimers Disease

Most prevalent formof senile dementia

Gradually lose

Memory & reasoning

Ability tocommunicate

Physical capabilities

Life itself

Risk factors

Free radicals

Elevated blood

homocysteineLow blood folate, B6

& B12

No cure

Need to maintainappropriate weight



Energy & Nutrient Need

DRI categories

51-70 years old

71 and older Standards are

difficult to set forolder adults



Energy & Nutrient Needs

Energy needs decline with aging

5% per decade

Lean body mass diminishesBMR slows

Select nutrient-dense foods

SarcopeniaLoss of muscle mass



Nutrients

Protein

Needs are aboutthe same as

younger adultsNeed low-kcalorie,

high-quality

Fat

Moderate amounts

Carbohydrate

Need abundantamounts to spare

proteinWhole grains

Fiber

Needed to prevent

constipation



Water

Total body waterdecreases with age

Dehydration is a risk

Do not seem to feelthirsty or noticemouth dryness

Amount needed

Women 9 cups/day Men 13 cups/day

Dehydration canpromote

Urinary tractinfections

Pneumonia

Pressure ulcers

Confusion

Disorientation



Vitamins

Vitamin D deficiency

Drink little milk

Limited exposure to

sunlightCapacity of skin &

kidneys to produceactive vitamin D is

decreased

Vitamin B12deficiency

Stomach acid

decreasesAtrophic gastritis

Malabsorption of B12

Folate

Medical conditions& medications cancompromise status



Minerals

IronAnemia less

common than inyounger adults

Deficiency Chronic blood loss

Poor absorption

Zinc

Commonly lowCan depress

appetite

Calcium

Neededthroughout life to

preventosteoporosis

Calcium AI for lateadulthood = 1200

mg/day



Other Concerns

Supplements

Food is the bestsource of

nutrientsA balanced low-

dose vitamin &mineral

supplement maybe advised

Effects of Drugs

As people age,thenumber of drugs

seems to increaseMedications

interact withnutrients

Most commondrug is alcohol



Food Choices & Eating Habits

Most older peopleare

Independent

Sociallysophisticated

Mentally lucid

Fully participating

members ofsociety

Spend moremoney per personon foods to eat at

home Need easy-to-

open, single-serving packageswith easy-to-readlabels



Eating Habits

Individualpreferences areimportant for

older adults Meal SettingNeed companions

Men living aloneare at risk formalnutrition



Other

Depression More common with

advancing age

Affects food intake &

appetite Many losses

Feel powerless

Risk factors for malnutrition Disease

Eating poorly

Tooth loss

Economic hardship

Reduced social contact

Multiple medications

Involuntary weight loss

Need assistance with self-care Elderly older than 80


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Nutrition for Older Adults

Food assistanceprograms

Older Americans

Act (OAA)Nutrition Program

Food Stamps

Meals on Wheels

Senior FarmersMarket NutritionProgram

Meals for singlesMay not have

storage for a lot offood

Food may go badbefore eaten

May have limitedincome

Need to becreative & choosewisely

Nutrition in Later Adulthood

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