Nutrition for the Elderly HLTH 120N: 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 (B12, B6, 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 B12, healthy weight

Medication Polypharmacy: Affects appetite 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 Food insecurity and hunger 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