1. Nutrition for the Elderly
HLTH 120N: Lecture 18

2. 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

3. 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

5. 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

6. Physiologic Changes of Aging
Gastrointestinal Function
Declined salivary production
Dysphagia: ____________________________
Atrophic gastritis
Vitamin deficiency?
Lactose intolerance

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

8. 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?

9. Factors Accelerate Aging
Biologic age is influenced by lifestyle:

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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?

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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?

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