Nutritional Risk Factors for Older Adults

Nutritional Risk Factors

• Identifying risk involves considering total saturated fats, fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and caloric intake
• Comparing dietary intake to nutrient intake recommendations
• Screening a population at risk and determining how environmental factors predict nutritional health using the Nutrition Screening Initiative's DETERMINE checklist

Risk Factors for Older Adults

• Hunger, poverty, low food, and nutrient intake
• Functional disability, affecting daily tasks and independent living
• Social isolation or living alone
• Urban and rural demographic areas
• Depression, dementia, and dependency
• Poor dentition and oral health
• Diet-related acute or chronic diseases
• Polypharmacy, minority, and advanced age

Dietary Recommendations for Older Adults

• As age increases, the number of calories required decreases
• MyPlate for older adults and adaptations by groups like University of Florida and Tufts
• Discretionary calories are excess calories to enjoy once required nutrient needs are met

Nutrient Recommendations

• Nutrient recommendations change as scientists learn more about effects of foods on human functions
• Specific nutrient recommendations for those over 51 were established in 1997
• Estimating energy needs: decrease in physical activity and basal metabolic rate from early to late adulthood results in 70-100 fewer calories needed
• Nutrient recommendations for older adults:
  • Energy sources: carbohydrate and fiber, protein, fats and cholesterol, and recommendations for fluid

Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease

• Effects of cognitive impairment:
  • Confusion, anxiety, agitation, loss of oral muscular control
  • Impairment of hunger and appetite regulation, changes in smell and taste
  • Dental, chewing, and swallowing problems
• Nutritional interventions for cognitive impairment:
  • Ensuring food safety, safe use of kitchen tools and equipment
  • Dietary focus: nutrient-dense diet, hydration, and supplying needed energy

Polypharmacy

• Polypharmacy: multiple medication usage, with three or more constituting a risk
• Medication effects on physical, mental, and financial status
• Medication effects on food consumption: dietary restriction, interference with appetite, digestion, metabolism, and alertness

Low Body Weight/Unintentional Weight Loss

• No consensus or universal definition for underweight in the frail elderly
• Underweight: lowest percentiles, with grades of thinness:
  • Grade one: BMI 17-18.49
  • Grade two: BMI 16-16.99
  • Grade three: BMI < 16

Assessing nutritional risks in older adults involves identifying dietary intake, environmental factors, and functional disabilities. This quiz covers risk factors, nutritional health, and screening methods.