Chapter 12

Nutrition Through the Lifespan: Later Adulthood

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrition & Longevity

Past food choices influence longevity U.S. population is graying People over 85 are the fastestgrowing age group
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Aging of U.S. Population

Life expectancy
1900 = 47 years 2006 = 77 years

Due to advances in medical science & improved nutrition Upper limit of longevity is 130 years

Study of aging is the youngest scientific discipline Aging

20-30% genetic 70-80% lifestyle

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Slowing the Aging Process

Healthy habits
Adequate sleep Well-balanced meals Healthy weight Physical activity Not smoking Moderate alcohol

Restriction of kcalories
80% of usual intake may decrease body weight, body fat, & blood pressure, & increase HDL cholesterol Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & legumes

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Physical Activity
A powerful predictor of mobility in later years Promotes healthy weight, flexibility, endurance, & balance Tones, firms, & strengthens muscles Should be undertaken daily
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Adequate Nutrition & Disease Prevention

Helps prevent obesity, diabetes, & cardiovascular disease Prevents deficiency diseases Variety may protect against some cancers Moderate sugar prevents dental caries Fiber helps prevent constipation & diverticulosis Moderate sodium may prevent hypertension Adequate calcium protects against osteoporosis

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrition-Related Concerns
Cataracts
Age-related thickening of the lens of the eye Can lead to blindness Risk factors: oxidative stress & obesity

Macular Degeneration
Leading cause of blindness in persons over 65 Risk factor: oxidative stress from sunlight Omega-3 fatty acids may be protective

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Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Most common Painful swelling of joints Interventions
Weight loss Aerobic activity Weight training

Rheumatoid arthritis
Immune system attacks bone coverings Interventions
Vegetables Olive oil Omega-3 fatty acids Low saturated fat

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

The Aging Brain

Blood supply decreases Number of neurons diminishes
Cerebral cortex: affects hearing & speech Hindbrain: affects balance & posture

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Aging Brain
Nutrient deficiencies
Need vitamins & minerals for neurotransmitter functioning Some losses may be diet related
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Alzheimers Disease
Most prevalent form of senile dementia Gradually lose
Memory & reasoning Ability to communicate Physical capabilities Life itself

Risk factors
Free radicals Elevated blood homocysteine Low blood folate, B6 & B12

No cure Need to maintain appropriate weight

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 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Energy & Nutrient Need

DRI categories
51-70 years old 71 and older

Standards are difficult to set for older adults

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Energy & Nutrient Needs

Energy needs decline with aging
5% per decade Lean body mass diminishes BMR slows Select nutrient-dense foods

Sarcopenia
Loss of muscle mass

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 2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrients
Protein
Needs are about the same as younger adults Need low-kcalorie, high-quality

Carbohydrate
Need abundant amounts to spare protein Whole grains

Fat
Moderate amounts

Fiber
Needed to prevent constipation

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Water
Total body water decreases with age Dehydration is a risk Do not seem to feel thirsty or notice mouth dryness Amount needed
Women 9 cups/day Men 13 cups/day

Dehydration can promote

Urinary tract infections Pneumonia Pressure ulcers Confusion Disorientation

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Vitamins
Vitamin D deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency Drink little milk
Limited exposure to sunlight Capacity of skin & kidneys to produce active vitamin D is decreased Stomach acid decreases Atrophic gastritis
Malabsorption of B12

Folate
Medical conditions & medications can compromise status

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Minerals
Iron
Anemia less common than in younger adults Deficiency
Chronic blood loss Poor absorption

Calcium
Needed throughout life to prevent osteoporosis Calcium AI for late adulthood = 1200 mg/day

Zinc
Commonly low Can depress appetite

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Other Concerns
Supplements
Food is the best source of nutrients A balanced lowdose vitamin & mineral supplement may be advised

Effects of Drugs
As people age,the number of drugs seems to increase Medications interact with nutrients Most common drug is alcohol

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Food Choices & Eating Habits

Most older people are
Independent Socially sophisticated Mentally lucid Fully participating members of society

Spend more money per person on foods to eat at home Need easy-toopen, singleserving packages with easy-to-read labels

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Eating Habits
Individual preferences are important for older adults Meal Setting
Need companions Men living alone are at risk for malnutrition

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Other
Depression
More common with advancing age Affects food intake & appetite Many losses Feel powerless

Risk factors for malnutrition

Disease Eating poorly Tooth loss Economic hardship Reduced social contact Multiple medications Involuntary weight loss Need assistance with self-care Elderly older than 80

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth

Nutrition for Older Adults

Food assistance programs
Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program Food Stamps Meals on Wheels Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Meals for singles

May not have storage for a lot of food Food may go bad before eaten May have limited income Need to be creative & choose wisely

2007 Thomson - Wadsworth