Adult Health

Question 1

What are some WHO key facts about ageing?

Answer 1

1. From 2015 to 2050, >60 will go from 900M to 2B
2. There is little evidence that older people today are in better health than their parents
3. NCD are main health burden
4. When it comes to health, there is no ‘typical’ older person
5. Health in older age is not random
6. Ageism may now be more pervasive than sexism or racism
7. Comprehensive public health action will require fundamental shifts in how we think about ageing and health
8. Health systems need to be realigned to the needs of older populations (need to develop models of primary health care for the elderly)
9. All countries need an integrated system of long-term care
10. Healthy Ageing involves all levels and sectors of government

Question 2

Describe the scope of The Nutrition Transition

Answer 2

• A truly global phenomenon: All H, M, and LIC, and all L–>H groups in the countries
• Contributing to globak increases in NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, dementia, etc.

Question 3

Describe changes in the Nutrition Transition and Epidemiologic Transition from pre to post.

Answer 3

Question 4

How did diets change before and after the Nutrition Transition?

Answer 4

Pre: Diets high in cereals/unrefined carbs, fats, vegetables, fruits fiber

Post: Agro-industrial dietary patterns (high in processed and UPFs, high in refined carbs, added sugars and salt, lower in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, high in Omega-6 fatty acids)

Question 5

How are ultraprocessed foods made?

Answer 5

Question 6

What are the effects of UPFs on one’s microbiome?

Answer 6

Less fiber and pulp in food –> Fiber necessary for beneficial bacteria to colonize large intestine

Artificial sweeteners reach large intestine, trigger overgrowth for harmful bacteria

Emulsifiers prevent adhesion to gut wall by beneficial bacteria

And other effects we do not yet understand

Question 7

Why is UPF consumption high in low-income urban populations

Answer 7

• Access to cooking fuel and electricity (barriers to cooking, lack of refrigeration)
• Concern about food adulteration, infectious diseases (reassurance from pre-packaged foods)
• Convenience / lack of time for food preparation (demands of low-paying, informal sector work)
• Marketing
• Ease of sale through small shops

Question 8

Describe some metabolic risk factors that arose from the Nutrition Transition

Answer 8

There’s a tendency to blame the victim, and not take into account structural factors that make it difficult for people to avoid these risk factors

1. Elevated blood pressure
2. Overweight/obesity
3. Hyperglycemia
4. Hyperlipidemia

Question 9

What are some outdoor/ambient air pollution causes and effects

Answer 9

Causes:
- Incinerators
- Burning: forest and backyard fires
- Motor vehicles
- Power generation esp. coal-fired power plants
- Industry

Effects:
- Cardiovascular and respiratory disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Low birthweight and stillbirth
- Cognitive function