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?

<p>Increased susceptibility to infection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cardiovascular risk is associated with aging?

<p>Increased risk of atherosclerosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the age classification for someone considered elderly?

<p>Over 65 years old (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological change is commonly associated with the aging process?

<p>Decreased sensitivity to taste (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Limited food intake (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does aging affect renal function?

<p>Decrease in functioning nephrons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decreased detoxification processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can decreased gastrointestinal secretions lead to?

<p>Decreased absorption of essential nutrients (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cardiovascular change observed in the elderly?

<p>Decreased cardiac output (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decreased food intake (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decreased GI motility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Geriatrics (D)</p> 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?

<p>Increased calcium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decline in muscle mass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily protein allowance for older adults?

<p>1.07 g/kg/day (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemia is associated with vitamin B9 deficiency?

<p>Megaloblastic anemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Decreases by 20% in those aged 60-69 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Vitamin B1, B2, and B3 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Weight loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Limit alcohol intake (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It leads to increased weight gain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Pernicious anemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Increased Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)

A rise in diastolic blood pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Impaired Vitamin D Conversion

A decrease in the ability to convert vitamin D's inactive form into its active form, which is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where arteries harden and lose elasticity, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Decreased Brain Cells

A decline in the number of brain cells, leading to slower reaction times, tremors, memory problems, and reduced cognitive abilities.

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Weakened Immune Function

A weakened immune system that makes the body more susceptible to infections.

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Geriatrics

The branch of medicine focused on extending lifespan, delaying age-related diseases, and treating illnesses in older adults.

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Gerontology

The broader study of aging, encompassing physiological, psychological, economic, and medical aspects.

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Senescence

The physical and behavioral changes that occur as we age.

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Renal Changes in Elderly

A decrease in the number of working nephrons in the kidneys, leading to lower Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and reduced waste removal.

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Decreased GIT Secretions in Elderly

Lowered production of saliva, hydrochloric acid, and intrinsic factor by the digestive system, leading to decreased nutrient absorption.

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Less Efficient Liver in Elderly

Reduced efficiency of liver functions like bile production and detoxification.

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Decreased GI Motility in Elderly

Slower movement of food through the digestive tract due to decreased muscle activity, contributing to bloating and constipation.

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Oral and GIT Changes: Tooth Loss

Loss of teeth and periodontal disease make chewing difficult, leading to reduced food intake.

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Oral and GIT Changes: Decreased Taste and Smell

Reduced sensitivity to tastes and smells can lead to loss of appetite and decreased food intake.

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Cardiovascular Changes in Elderly

A reduction in the heart's pumping power and slowed heart rate, impacting overall blood circulation.

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What is Sarcopenia?

A natural decline in muscle mass that occurs with aging, contributing to a loss of strength and range of motion.

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What's Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and how does aging affect it?

Increased resting energy expenditure (REE) refers to the energy used at rest to keep your body functioning. Older adults have lower REE, requiring less energy for basic functions.

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Why is adequate protein intake important for older adults?

An inadequate intake of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, can lead to health problems in older adults.

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How does iron intake change with age?

With increasing age, the body's ability to absorb iron decreases, causing a need for lower iron intake in postmenopausal women.

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What's the importance of water and fiber for older adults?

Consuming sufficient water and fiber helps prevent constipation, a common digestive problem in older adults.

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Describe Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA).

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to create enough red blood cells. This leads to fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath.

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How do vitamin needs change with age?

Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 are less needed due to reduced energy requirements. However, Vitamins D, B6, E, and B12 needs increase with age.

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Why is weight gain common in older adults?

Older adults often experience weight gain due to a slower metabolic rate, reduced physical activity, and a tendency to consume high-energy foods.

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What is the link between homocysteine and cardiovascular disease?

Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to consume enough B Vitamins to regulate them.

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What is Osteoporosis and how can it be prevented?

Osteoporosis, a bone disease that weakens bones, is more common in postmenopausal women. Strategies like calcium intake, vitamin D, physical activity and hormone therapy can help prevent it.

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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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