Nutrition and Aging in the Elderly

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Questions and Answers

What is a consequence of impaired function of the bladder and urethral sphincter?

Increased muscle tone

Enhanced bladder control

Increased urine output

Urinary incontinence (correct)

Which physiological change is associated with respiratory function?

Improved oxygen exchange

Enhanced breath control

Increased lung capacity

Decreased functioning of alveoli (correct)

What neurological change is noted with aging?

Improved reaction times

Increased number of brain cells

Enhanced cognitive ability

Memory loss (correct)

What effect does aging have on immune function?

Increased susceptibility to infection Signup and view all the answers

What cardiovascular risk is associated with aging?

Increased risk of atherosclerosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the age classification for someone considered elderly?

Over 65 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological change is commonly associated with the aging process?

Decreased sensitivity to taste Signup and view all the answers

What condition may arise from the loss of teeth and periodontal disease in the elderly?

Limited food intake Signup and view all the answers

How does aging affect renal function?

Decrease in functioning nephrons Signup and view all the answers

What impact does aging have on the liver's function?

Decreased detoxification processes Signup and view all the answers

What can decreased gastrointestinal secretions lead to?

Decreased absorption of essential nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cardiovascular change observed in the elderly?

Decreased cardiac output Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a loss of appetite in elderly individuals?

Decreased food intake Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change can result in abdominal distention and constipation in the elderly?

Decreased GI motility Signup and view all the answers

What branch of medicine focuses on prolonging life and treating diseases in the elderly?

Geriatrics Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary nutritional requirement to help maintain calcium balance and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older adults?

Increased calcium Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most significantly contributes to a decrease in resting energy expenditure as people age?

Decline in muscle mass Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily protein allowance for older adults?

1.07 g/kg/day Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemia is associated with vitamin B9 deficiency?

Megaloblastic anemia Signup and view all the answers

As individuals age, what change occurs in their basal metabolic rate (BMR)?

Decreases by 20% in those aged 60-69 Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin requirements decrease as energy needs fall in older adults?

Vitamin B1, B2, and B3 Signup and view all the answers

What consequence is most likely due to inadequate intake of food in older adults?

Weight loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an important dietary consideration to prevent cardiovascular diseases in older adults?

Limit alcohol intake Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of decreased physical activity on weight in older adults?

It leads to increased weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What health issue can arise from inadequate vitamin B12 absorption in older adults?

Pernicious anemia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intended Learning Outcomes

Understand the physical and physiological changes in the elderly.
Understand different nutrition and diet-related problems among the elderly.
Formulate recommendations to address these problems.

Aging

Complex process involving progressive changes across molecular, cellular, physiological, and psychosocial levels.
Spanning from conception to death.

Elderly

Individuals over 65 years old.
Individuals over 75 years old are considered old persons.

Nutrition of the Elderly

Geriatrics: Branch of medicine focused on prolonging life and delaying the degenerative aspects of aging, treating diseases.
Gerontology: Broader field encompassing physiological, psychological, economic, and medical aspects of aging.
Senescence: The process of physical and behavioral changes during aging.

Physiological Changes (Oral and Gastrointestinal Tract)

Oral Health: Loss of teeth and periodontal disease lead to difficulty chewing, restricted food intake, decreased taste (hypogeusia) and smell (hyposmia).
Gastrointestinal Tract: Decreased gastrointestinal secretions (less saliva, HCI, and intrinsic factor), affecting nutrient absorption. Decreased enzyme activity leads to digestive issues and inadequate nutrient absorption.
Reduced gastric motility and peristalsis can cause abdominal distension and constipation.
Loss of thirst sensation may lead to dehydration.

Physiological Changes (Renal)

Reduced nephron function (lower glomerular filtration rate) impacts waste excretion.
Lowered ability to activate vitamin D.
Impaired bladder and urethral sphincter function may cause incontinence.

Physiological Changes (Cardiovascular)

Decreased cardiac output and heart rate.
Increased risk of atherosclerosis (thickening and decreased elasticity of blood vessels).

Physiological Changes (Respiratory)

Reduced lung efficiency and vital capacity due to declining alveolar function.
Short, shallow breathing patterns.

Physiological Changes (Neurological)

Reduced brain cell count.
Slowed reaction time, tremors, memory loss, and reduced cognitive abilities.
Impaired nerve function impacting sensory and cognitive skills.
Altered sleep-wake cycles.

Physiological Changes (Skeletal)

Reduced bone density leads to increased osteoporosis risk.

Physiological Changes (Immune)

Increased susceptibility to infections.

Body Composition and Energy Expenditure

Reduced muscle mass and strength leading to decreased physical activity and range of motion.
Increased fat mass.
Reduced resting energy expenditure.

Nutritional Requirements

Energy: Decreased basal metabolic rate (BMR) in the elderly, often 20-25% lower in those 60-69 years old versus those younger than 50.
Protein: Allowance of 1.07 g/kg/day to maintain proper cellular function.
Vitamins: Often require reduced amounts of certain B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3), but increased amounts of others (Vitamin D).
Minerals: Increased calcium intake to support bone health (precautions against osteoporosis) or adjusted for iron needs.
Water: Increased fluid intake is important.
Fiber: Essential to maintain digestive health and prevent constipation.

Anemia: Deficiency of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin resulting from poor intake, absorption or loss of blood.
Megaloblastic anemia: caused by deficiencies of B vitamins.
pernicious anemia: a form of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Cardiovascular disease (CVDs): Hypertension (high blood pressure) and elevated homocysteine levels are common.
Osteoporosis: Loss of bone mass and decreased bone density.

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Description

This quiz explores the physical and physiological changes in the elderly, focusing on their specific nutrition and diet-related challenges. Understand geriatrics and gerontology, along with formulating effective recommendations for promoting health in older adults. Gain insights into oral health issues and their impact on nutrition.