Physiological changes occur gradually over time in all body systems. Nutrition is a vital determinant of health in elderly patients. “Over the past decade the importance of nutrition has been increasing and has been seen in a variety of morbid conditions including cancer, dementia and heart disease in the individuals over the age of 65.” Some indicators of malnutrition in the elderly are specific vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, decreased dietary intake and abnormal body mass index. Emphasizing the significance of these issues seen in the elderly population is crucial. As each individual ages one can see a slight decline in lean body mass and it is usually more dramatic after the age of 60. Reduce muscle mass includes skeletal muscle, …show more content…
“Consequently, basal metabolism or energy requirement for the elderly diminishes by 100 kcal/day per decade. For some seniors it may be difficult to meet daily micronutrient requirements with reduces intake. To combat this, a multivitamin supplement for seniors is recommended, especially for those whose caloric intake in less that 1500kcal/day.” Protein malnutrition is common in elderly patients regardless of body weight or housing status. Protein energy malnutrition can result from an inadequate intake of calories and protein or from a response to biological stress. Balancing what is needed and not needed is a challenge particularly in heath care facilities. Protein absorption may decrease as we age along with our body producing less protein. However, this does not mean protein intake should be regularly increased because of the general decline in kidney function. Excess protein could unnecessarily stress kidneys. In addition calorie needs change due to more body fat and less lean muscle. The challenge for the elderly is to meet the same nutrient needs as when they were younger and yet consume fewer calories. The elderly population should chose foods that are high in …show more content…
“Vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin B12, B6 and folate are associated with cognitive impairment, and linked to age-related hearing loss in older adults. If B12 levels are not adequate, high folate levels may be a concern.” As we age the amount of chemicals in the body, needed to absorb vitamin B12 decreases. To avoid deficiency, older adults are advised to eat foods in rich vitamin B12 regularly, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy foods. “Nutritional antioxidant supplements are generally believed to be beneficial in reducing free radical cellular and DNA damage.” A large epidemiological study found the concomitant use of vitamins C and E is associated with reduces incidents of Alzheimer disease. Eating foods with Vitamin E such as grains, peanuts, nuts vegetable oil and seeds may help reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease. However the study found the same benefits did not hold true for Vitamin E from supplements. Seasonal vitamin D deficiency is recognized as highly prevalent in North America. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended for individuals over the age of 65 because it has have been shown to reduce hip fracture
A Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was completed on Anne. The MNA is a tool used to provide a rapid assessment of elderly patients’ nutritional status. The MNA is made up of simple measurements and a few brief questions that can be completed by the patient in no more than ten minutes. The nutritional status of a patient is evaluated using a two-step process to accurately determine a patient’s nutritional status (McGee
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Caregivers." Senior Health: How to Prevent and Detect Malnutrition. N.p., 23 Sept. 2011. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.
For instance, there have been several nutritional interventions implemented in health care facilities. Specifically, screening can be effective in health care facilities to aid in identifying poor nutrition among the elderly, which is often undetected. Additionally, screening tools has been used to establish appropriate nutritional meals. One study by researchers Babineau, Jolyne, Villalon, Laporte, Manon, & Payette (2008) showed that the introduction of screening in a general hospital raised awareness of nutrition-related care. In this intervention dietitians conducts a full nutritional assessment and implemented a nutritional care plan for patients aged 65 or older (Babineau et al., 2008). The nutrition care program included nutritional screening, timely intervention, and close dietitian
...f dairy products. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium and Vitamin D. Maintaining adequate calcium stores may prevent me from contracting osteoporosis as I age.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that health conditions associated with the ageing process are arthritis, stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. These health concerns can be avoided...
Refer to Table 17-2 “Nutrient Concerns of Aging” and Table 17-4 “Strategies for Growing Old Healthfully” and describe components that are lacking in Roy’s current lifestyle.
Nutrition assessments include clinical and dietary assessment, anthropometrics, as well as biochemical, laboratory immunologic and functional indices of nutritional status (Gibney, 2005). In epidemiological studies, different dietary investigation tools were designed to assess the nutritional status in individuals and populations, nutrition monitoring and surveillance and diet-disease research (Friedenreich, et al., 1992, Taren, 2002).
One physical aspect may include changes to skin and appearance. As one ages the body becomes weaker and processes take much longer. Breathing and circulation becomes weaker and skin becomes less elastic. Also, muscles become weaker and as it joins with the skin bones become less flexible and thus they become less mobile.
Increasingly in the diet/disease debate, the role that micronutrients play in promoting health and preventing noncommunicable disease is receiving considerable attention. Micronutrient deficiencies are often common in elderly people due to a number of factors such as their reduced food intake and a lack of variety in the foods they eat. Another factor is the price of foods rich in micronutrients, which further discourages their consumption. Compounding this situation is the fact that the older people often suffer from decreased immune function, which contributes to this group’s increased morbidity and mortality. Other significant age-related changes include the loss of cognitive function and deteriorating vision, all of which hinder good health and dietary habits in old age”(Nutrition for older persons, 2017). After assessing Miss E’s physical, socioeconomic and psychological conditions that are affecting her nutritional status today, I would recommend that she apply for a nutritional program called SNAP through the state to alleviate some of her struggles with purchasing better quality foods for health. In addition, as her nutritionist assistant I would design a suitable five-day meal plan for Miss. E to start on of 1600
The purpose of this paper is to take an in depth look at a renal diet which is designed for people suffering from certain kidney conditions. A renal diet can be described as a nutritional regime which is: “low in sodium, phosphorous and protein... [It] also promotes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limits fluids. Some patients may also need to limit potassium and even calcium” (Nephcure). Throughout the course of this paper various aspects are addressed. these include: the role of the kidneys, the importance of professional guidance, the reasons why people follow a renal diet, monitoring sodium intake, monitoring potassium intake, monitoring phosphorus intake, protein consumption, and fluid control.
There are several methods to assess nutritional status, including dietary, laboratory, and anthropometric and clinical methods. These methods are useful to identify each stage in the development of a nutritional deficiency state. Anthropometry is the “single most universally applicable, inexpensive, and non-invasive method available to assess the size, proportions, and composition of the human body” . Anthropometric measurements are able to detect chronic imbalance of protein and energy, such as malnutrition, but are unable to pinpoint a specific nutritional deficiency. These measurements would need to be assessed appropriately according to factors such as age, sex and degree of nutrition. Furthermore, measurements are easily, quickly and reliably performed using portable equipment, with results often expressed as an index (Gibson, 2005).
The elderly need each of the above nutritive elements to keep themselves in a healthy condition. The elderly should be as active as possible and take a good balanced diet. The elderly body may not be what it once used to be; this does not mean you have a reason to neglect it. You should take enough nutrition to enjoy a long and healthy life.(7)
In the United States, vitamin D deficiency was common in both men and women across various age groups, notably among minorities. Due to the connection between vitamin D deficiency and major chronic diseases Forrest and Stuhldreher (2010, p.
There is a body of literature on physical status and nutrition intake in the elderly that has looked at functional status as a predictor of nutrition intake, and conversely, nutrition intake as a predictor of functional status (An, et al, 2015; Evans et al, 2010; Brewer et al, 2010; Ribeiro, et al., 2016; Shikany et al, 2013; Ziliak, Gundersen, & Haist, 2008). For example, adequate nutrient intake can reduce the effects of functional limitations in the elderly, and conversely, undernutrition can increase risks of physical, mental, and social impairment (Kleinpell et al, 2008; Sharkey et al, 2003). Moreover, as the number of functional limitations increases the risks of poor nutritional intake increase among the elderly (Bartali et al, 2003).
Eat plenty of fresh and wholesome food such as fruit and vegetables, lean meats and fish, nuts and whole grains. Food supplements have their place during times of ill health to assist in a speedy recovery, but should not be needed on a permanent basis if you eat a broad selection of nutritionally sound food. Here are further useful tips for healthy aging.