Nutrition Through the Lifespan: Later Adulthood Chapter 12 Nutrition Through the Lifespan: Later Adulthood © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrition & Longevity Past food choices influence longevity U.S. population is graying People over 85 are the fastest-growing age group © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Aging of U.S. Population Life expectancy 1900 = 47 years 2006 = 77 years Due to advances in medical science & improved nutrition Upper limit of longevity is 130 years Study of aging is the youngest scientific discipline Aging 20-30% genetic 70-80% lifestyle © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Slowing the Aging Process Healthy habits Adequate sleep Well-balanced meals Healthy weight Physical activity Not smoking Moderate alcohol Restriction of kcalories 80% of usual intake may decrease body weight, body fat, & blood pressure, & increase HDL cholesterol Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & legumes © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Physical Activity A powerful predictor of mobility in later years Promotes healthy weight, flexibility, endurance, & balance Tones, firms, & strengthens muscles Should be undertaken daily © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Adequate Nutrition & Disease Prevention Helps prevent obesity, diabetes, & cardiovascular disease Prevents deficiency diseases Variety may protect against some cancers Moderate sugar prevents dental caries Fiber helps prevent constipation & diverticulosis Moderate sodium may prevent hypertension Adequate calcium protects against osteoporosis © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrition-Related Concerns Cataracts Age-related thickening of the lens of the eye Can lead to blindness Risk factors: oxidative stress & obesity Macular Degeneration Leading cause of blindness in persons over 65 Risk factor: oxidative stress from sunlight Omega-3 fatty acids may be protective © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Arthritis Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Most common Painful swelling of joints Interventions Weight loss Aerobic activity Weight training Rheumatoid arthritis Immune system attacks bone coverings Interventions Vegetables Olive oil Omega-3 fatty acids Low saturated fat © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

The Aging Brain Blood supply decreases Number of neurons diminishes Cerebral cortex: affects hearing & speech Hindbrain: affects balance & posture © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Aging Brain Nutrient deficiencies Need vitamins & minerals for neurotransmitter functioning Some losses may be diet related © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Alzheimer’s Disease Most prevalent form of senile dementia Gradually lose Memory & reasoning Ability to communicate Physical capabilities Life itself Risk factors Free radicals Elevated blood homocysteine Low blood folate, B6 & B12 No cure Need to maintain appropriate weight © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Energy & Nutrient Need DRI categories 51-70 years old 71 and older Standards are difficult to set for older adults © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Energy & Nutrient Needs Energy needs decline with aging 5% per decade Lean body mass diminishes BMR slows Select nutrient-dense foods Sarcopenia Loss of muscle mass © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

© 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrients Protein Fat Carbohydrate Fiber Needs are about the same as younger adults Need low-kcalorie, high-quality Fat Moderate amounts Carbohydrate Need abundant amounts to spare protein Whole grains Fiber Needed to prevent constipation © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Water Total body water decreases with age Dehydration is a risk Do not seem to feel thirsty or notice mouth dryness Amount needed Women 9 cups/day Men 13 cups/day Dehydration can promote Urinary tract infections Pneumonia Pressure ulcers Confusion Disorientation © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Vitamins Vitamin D deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency Folate Drink little milk Limited exposure to sunlight Capacity of skin & kidneys to produce active vitamin D is decreased Vitamin B12 deficiency Stomach acid decreases Atrophic gastritis Malabsorption of B12 Folate Medical conditions & medications can compromise status © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Minerals Iron Zinc Calcium Anemia less common than in younger adults Deficiency Chronic blood loss Poor absorption Zinc Commonly low Can depress appetite Calcium Needed throughout life to prevent osteoporosis Calcium AI for late adulthood = 1200 mg/day © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Other Concerns Supplements Effects of Drugs Food is the best source of nutrients A balanced low-dose vitamin & mineral supplement may be advised Effects of Drugs As people age,the number of drugs seems to increase Medications interact with nutrients Most common drug is alcohol © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Food Choices & Eating Habits Most older people are Independent Socially sophisticated Mentally lucid Fully participating members of society Spend more money per person on foods to eat at home Need easy-to-open, single-serving packages with easy-to-read labels © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Eating Habits Individual preferences are important for older adults Meal Setting Need companions Men living alone are at risk for malnutrition © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Other Depression Risk factors for malnutrition 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 © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrition for Older Adults Food assistance programs Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program Food Stamps Meals on Wheels Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Meals for singles May not have storage for a lot of food Food may go bad before eaten May have limited income Need to be creative & choose wisely © 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth