Download Nutrition in Later Years

Nutrition for Older Adults
Priscilla Riedel-Cohan
MS, RD, LD, SFNS
Lesson Objectives
Compare the calorie and nutrient
needs of the individual in the later
years of the life cycle to that of earlier
years.
Discuss disease conditions and
obstacles to adequacy that may be
experienced by the older adult.
Calories and Activity
Energy needs
decrease as
people age.
This is due to:
Decreased activity
level
Decreased
metabolic rate
Decreased muscle
tone
It is important to ensure that older
adults do not suffer from the
“dwindles.” This is described as:
Decreased physical ability to function
Diminished mental function
Malnutrition
Social withdrawal
Weight loss
Protein and the Older Adult
Protein needs remain the same in
older adulthood as they did when the
adult was younger.
The RDA for protein is 0.8 grams per
kilogram (kg) of body weight.
Alternate protein sources may be
necessary because traditional protein
foods may be hard to chew.
Soft protein foods may be best.
Carbohydrate, Fiber, and the Older
Adult
Carbohydrates remain important for
nourishing the brain.
Fiber is necessary to help alleviate the
constipation that some older adults
experience in later life.
High fiber foods may include fresh fruits
and vegetables as well as high fiber grain
products.
It is important to make sure foods can be
chewed and swallowed, so fiber is often
offered in the form of over-the-counter
products like Metamucil.
Fat, Arthritis, and the Older Adult
Good sources of essential fatty acids
in the diet continue to be important.
Food sources of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids include nuts,
legumes, and coldwater fish like
salmon.
Saturated fat and trans fatty acids
may contribute to heart disease.
A low fat diet may help alleviate the
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but
it does not address the symptoms of
osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis may be addressed with
weight loss.
Vitamins and the Older Adult
Vitamin A absorption generally improves in
later life.
Vitamin D synthesis declines and may
contribute to osteoporosis. This is
particularly important to address with the
elderly who are confined to the indoors.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is likely with the
decrease in production of intrinsic factor
necessary for its absorption or when meats
are diminished in the diet due to chewing
or swallowing difficulties.
Water, Minerals, and the Older
Adult
Dehydration is a major concern for the
older adult.
It is believed that some dementia or loss of
mental function in the elderly may be due
to chronic dehydration.
The sense of thirst is diminished in the
elderly.
They are more at risk as a result to
become dehydrated.
The elderly must make a conscious effort
to drink fluids often.
A high fiber diet
requires the older
adult to also
consume more
water.
Iron status generally improves later in life.
Zinc deficiency is somewhat common in
the elderly primarily because of
drug/nutrient interactions. This blunts the
sense of taste.
Calcium absorption declines with age.
Osteoporosis is common in this population.
Lactose-free milk can offer an alternative
for those individuals who complain of
discomfort from drinking milk.
A low-dose
vitamin/mineral
supplement may
be helpful to all
older adults to
ensure nutrient
needs are met.
Nutrition and Longevity
There are 6 factors that have been
found to influence the physiological
age of an individual.
Of those, 3 are nutrition-related:
Moderation of alcohol use
Regular, nutritious meals
Weight control
Nutrition and Alzheimer’s Disease
There are weak links between the
onset of Alzheimer’s disease and
nutrition.
Research is on-going.
Regular meals and wise food choices
continue to be at the forefront of good
health for people with Alzheimer’s
disease.
Food Choices of Older Adults
Many factors may influence the food
choices of the older adult.
In particular, older adults experience
obstacles to an adequate dietary intake.
Tooth loss
Inability to chew or swallow
Marital or social status
Disposable income
Multiple medications
Social services
programs available
to the elderly
include:
Social Security
Medicare
Food Stamps
Meals on Wheels
Child and Adult
Care Food
Program
In Summary…
The older adult experiences many
changes in their nutritional needs at
this stage of the life cycle.
Their nutritional status may be
compromised by disease or other
obstacles to adequacy.
Caregivers play a major role in
maintaining the nutritional health of
the older adult.