28: Nutrition and Aging - O'Shea Flashcards
Explain how body composition and function change throughout the second half of life
Chronological age does not correlate with health status
Both under-nutrition and over-nutrition can be a problem
Increase in body fat in early adulthood with stable muscle and bone composition
Middle age brings gradual loss of muscle and bone
Advanced age is associated with potential for marked loss of fat, muscle mass and bone density
Describe how nutrition affects disease states common in aging
Illness such as infections, fractures and other wounds increase protein needs above baseline
– 70 kg man would need 73 grams protein/day
muscle loss in the elderly is largely due to …
inactivity
severe loss of muscle mass = sarcopenia*** (more common in men, 30% of ppl over 60)(Rate of skeletal muscle mass loss:
1-2% annual rate
0.4grams/decade in women, 0.8 grams/decade in men)
body changes with aging
Skin
Decreased ability to produce Vitamin D
Renal function
Decreased filtering and concentrating capacities
Arteries
Hardening, reduced compliance
Hormones
Lower production of testosterone and estrogen
Immune function
Blunted cellular and humoral response
GI function
Low gastric acid ** (needed for B12), intrinsic factor and lactase; constipation
Gustatory senses
Decreased sensitivity of smell and taste perception
Mouth
Poor dentition, less saliva, difficulty swallowing
Hydration
Decreased thirst sensation; concerns re incontinence limits intake
Muscles
Reduced physical activity decreases muscle mass and lowers energy use
Bones
Loss of minerals and proteins
Adipose tissues
Accumulation causes hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia
“burning mouth syndrome”
zinc deficiency
renal function changes with aging
The ability to excrete salt and urea and to conserve water decreases with age
Vitamin D activation requires glomerular filtration, so with a lower filtration rates, older people produce less active Vitamin D
Food and Nutrition Board advises a reduction in energy intake for each yea above 30
Men: subtract 10 kcal/day
Women: subtract 7 kcal/day
fiber recommendations
Recommendations (adults ages 51+)
Women: 21gm/day
Men: 30 gm/day
Average fiber intake of free-living elderly: 14-18 gm/day
To avoid flatulence or impaction, increase intakes slowly and add fluids
Increase consumption of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables
Decrease intake of refined foods
Nutrient requirements that increase with age
Vitamin D:
Calcium
Vitamin B6:
need more of these!
Nutrient requirements that decrease with age
Iron
Chromium
need less of these!
Nutrients important in care of COPD patients ***:
need more prtn and calories
Energy: may need up to 150% of BMR
Carbohydrates: avoid high carb diets as this causes more CO2 to be produced, putting stress on the lungs
Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants are important
Vitamin C important in lung function
Magnesium-both deficiency and excess affect lung function
