Physiological changes occur gradually over time in all body systems. Nutrition is a vital determinant of health in elderly patients. “Over the past decade the importance of nutrition has been increasing and has been seen in a variety of morbid conditions including cancer, dementia and heart disease in the individuals over the age of 65.” Some indicators of malnutrition in the elderly are specific vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, decreased dietary intake and abnormal body mass index. Emphasizing the significance of these issues seen in the elderly population is crucial. As each individual ages one can see a slight decline in lean body mass and it is usually more dramatic after the age of 60. Reduce muscle mass includes skeletal muscle, …show more content…
“Consequently, basal metabolism or energy requirement for the elderly diminishes by 100 kcal/day per decade. For some seniors it may be difficult to meet daily micronutrient requirements with reduces intake. To combat this, a multivitamin supplement for seniors is recommended, especially for those whose caloric intake in less that 1500kcal/day.” Protein malnutrition is common in elderly patients regardless of body weight or housing status. Protein energy malnutrition can result from an inadequate intake of calories and protein or from a response to biological stress. Balancing what is needed and not needed is a challenge particularly in heath care facilities. Protein absorption may decrease as we age along with our body producing less protein. However, this does not mean protein intake should be regularly increased because of the general decline in kidney function. Excess protein could unnecessarily stress kidneys. In addition calorie needs change due to more body fat and less lean muscle. The challenge for the elderly is to meet the same nutrient needs as when they were younger and yet consume fewer calories. The elderly population should chose foods that are high in …show more content…
“Vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin B12, B6 and folate are associated with cognitive impairment, and linked to age-related hearing loss in older adults. If B12 levels are not adequate, high folate levels may be a concern.” As we age the amount of chemicals in the body, needed to absorb vitamin B12 decreases. To avoid deficiency, older adults are advised to eat foods in rich vitamin B12 regularly, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy foods. “Nutritional antioxidant supplements are generally believed to be beneficial in reducing free radical cellular and DNA damage.” A large epidemiological study found the concomitant use of vitamins C and E is associated with reduces incidents of Alzheimer disease. Eating foods with Vitamin E such as grains, peanuts, nuts vegetable oil and seeds may help reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease. However the study found the same benefits did not hold true for Vitamin E from supplements. Seasonal vitamin D deficiency is recognized as highly prevalent in North America. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended for individuals over the age of 65 because it has have been shown to reduce hip fracture
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Caregivers." Senior Health: How to Prevent and Detect Malnutrition. N.p., 23 Sept. 2011. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
The research into the effect Vitamin A has on Alzheimer’s disease needs to be furthered. One avenue to further it would be examining retinoic acids in vivo. This would allow the retinoid mechanisms of action and their receptors in Alzheimer’s disease to be better understood. Another method to further research would be to study the affect retinoic acid has on amyloid β in Alzheimer’s disease using different techniques, such as histopathological observation.
Refer to Table 17-2 “Nutrient Concerns of Aging” and Table 17-4 “Strategies for Growing Old Healthfully” and describe components that are lacking in Roy’s current lifestyle.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that health conditions associated with the ageing process are arthritis, stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. These health concerns can be avoided...
Chronic disease can be a major contributor. Many diseases, such as cardiac disease, renal impairment, and malignancy contribute to inflammation that can lead to significant loss of muscle mass.8 In addition; many diseases may prompt the prescription of restrictive diets that may not always be necessary. Overly restrictive diets may be unpalatable or difficult to follow, leading to a decline in oral intake and, eventually, malnutrition.9 Functional status changes that limit ability to perform activities of daily living such as cooking and shopping can impact an older adult's dietary intake. Significant psychosocial changes that also may occur with aging (e.g., depression or simply eating alone), as with the loss of a spouse, can lead to a dramatic decrease in oral intake. Changes in finances also can impact the ability to purchase adequate food” (Malnutrition In Older Adults - Today's Dietitian Magazine, 2017). I believe nutrient deficiencies that Miss E is lacking in her diet are nutrients of Calcium, Iron, Vitamin B, D, Fiber and Potassium in which affects the development and overall good health of older adults. Older adults need more calcium and vitamin D to help maintain
One physical aspect may include changes to skin and appearance. As one ages the body becomes weaker and processes take much longer. Breathing and circulation becomes weaker and skin becomes less elastic. Also, muscles become weaker and as it joins with the skin bones become less flexible and thus they become less mobile.
...f dairy products. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium and Vitamin D. Maintaining adequate calcium stores may prevent me from contracting osteoporosis as I age.
A number of factors influence the nutritional status of the elderly. First, several physiological changes impact elderly nutritional requirements. Changes in taste and smell may decrease an individual's appetite or desire for food. Gastro-intestinal motility decreases with age and may lead to constipation, decreased nutrient absorption, and a decrease in fat and protein absorption. Metabolism also slows with age; this results in a decrease of lean body mass and an increase in body fat (8). Lastly, bone mass decreases, leaving the elderly vulnerable to bone fractures from falls and osteoporosis.
Nutrition assessments include clinical and dietary assessment, anthropometrics, as well as biochemical, laboratory immunologic and functional indices of nutritional status (Gibney, 2005). In epidemiological studies, different dietary investigation tools were designed to assess the nutritional status in individuals and populations, nutrition monitoring and surveillance and diet-disease research (Friedenreich, et al., 1992, Taren, 2002).
Moderation is vital in all aspects of life and is necessary for overall health, including with one’s food intake. Protein is one of the many important nutrient building blocks that is necessary for proper growth and good health. However, eating excessive amounts of any nutrient or inadequate amounts, can cause various health concerns. Scientists have been able to estimate the amount of nutrients that the body requires. However, the amount of any particular nutrient varies from person to person, depending on your “age, sex, general health status, physical activity level, and use of medications and drugs” (Schiff 2013). It is also important to remember that consuming the required amount of nutrients that meets your dietary guidelines does not
In the United States, vitamin D deficiency was common in both men and women across various age groups, notably among minorities. Due to the connection between vitamin D deficiency and major chronic diseases Forrest and Stuhldreher (2010, p.
There is a body of literature on physical status and nutrition intake in the elderly that has looked at functional status as a predictor of nutrition intake, and conversely, nutrition intake as a predictor of functional status (An, et al, 2015; Evans et al, 2010; Brewer et al, 2010; Ribeiro, et al., 2016; Shikany et al, 2013; Ziliak, Gundersen, & Haist, 2008). For example, adequate nutrient intake can reduce the effects of functional limitations in the elderly, and conversely, undernutrition can increase risks of physical, mental, and social impairment (Kleinpell et al, 2008; Sharkey et al, 2003). Moreover, as the number of functional limitations increases the risks of poor nutritional intake increase among the elderly (Bartali et al, 2003).
There are several methods to assess nutritional status, including dietary, laboratory, and anthropometric and clinical methods. These methods are useful to identify each stage in the development of a nutritional deficiency state. Anthropometry is the “single most universally applicable, inexpensive, and non-invasive method available to assess the size, proportions, and composition of the human body” . Anthropometric measurements are able to detect chronic imbalance of protein and energy, such as malnutrition, but are unable to pinpoint a specific nutritional deficiency. These measurements would need to be assessed appropriately according to factors such as age, sex and degree of nutrition. Furthermore, measurements are easily, quickly and reliably performed using portable equipment, with results often expressed as an index (Gibson, 2005).
Malnutrition is both a cause and a consequence of ill-health. The term malnutrition can apply to various states – under-nutrition, over-nutrition or deficiencies of specific nutrients (8).Malnutrition is common but under-recognised in the elderly. Clinicians are seldom taught about the subject during their undergraduate or postgraduate level.Malnutrition can lead to serious consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality (5).Undernutrition is a global problem that is usually caused by a lack of food or alimited range of foods that provide inadequate amounts of specific nutrients or other food components, e.g. protein, dietary fibre and micronutrients. Excessive intake of food or specific forms of food may also be harmful. Malnutrition among older persons can occur in economically disadvantaged groups even within privileged societies, and in pockets of poverty or social isolation. Reasons for undernutrition include decreased food availability and affordability; lack of interest or awareness affecting intake; malabsorption or increased nutrient requirements; and traditional habits or beliefs whether of the elderly or their caretakers.(2) Frail elderly people in the community, in nursing homes or in hospital are at increased risk of malnutrition. In many instances,this malnutrition, affecting health, well-being and ability to overcome disease or injury, goes unrecognised by physicians,often due to their meagre training in nutritional assessment.(4)Malnutrition is prevalent in elderly populations, even in the developed world .Among hospitalized elderly, nutritional status is even poorer. Protein-energy malnutrition has been reported in up to 15% of community-dwelling and home-bound elderly individuals, up to 62% of hospitalized elder...
Eat plenty of fresh and wholesome food such as fruit and vegetables, lean meats and fish, nuts and whole grains. Food supplements have their place during times of ill health to assist in a speedy recovery, but should not be needed on a permanent basis if you eat a broad selection of nutritionally sound food. Here are further useful tips for healthy aging.