Adult/older adult Flashcards
How does being active affect aging?
Weigh less; have greater flexibility, more endurance, better balance, and better health; and live longer
Daily activity recommendations
Intense enough to prevent muscle atrophy and to speed up the heartbeat and respiration rate
Physical changes that come with aging
tooth loss, gum disease, difficulty chewing and swallowing, pain and discomfort while eating
Less muscle strength with digestion (constipation)
Pancreas secretes less insulin
Diminished smell and taste
Weight loss
increased urination
Nutrition recommendations
Variety in food intake (fruits and veg)
Moderation of sugar intake
Appropriate fiber intake
Moderate sodium intake
Increased intakes of potassium and calcium (prevents htn and osteoporosis)
Cataracts
thickening of the lens in the eyes (cloudiness) that impair vision
related to aging
Macular degeneration
deterioration of the macular region of the eye
Dietary factors related to catoracts
Vegetables/fruits rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E may slow progression or reduce risk
Cataracts correlated with obesity
Dietary factors related to macular degeneration
Supplements of vitamins C and E reduce risk of progression
Folate, vitamins B6 and B12, lutein, and zeaxanthin may help prevent or slow progression
Osteoarthritis
loose fluid and cushioning in between joints
What are health considerations with arthritis?
Common with obesity
Weight reduction and physical activity relieves pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
autoimmune response, inflammation, pain
Immune system mistakenly attacks the bone coverings
Some individuals benefit from Mediterranean-type diet and/or high intakes of omega-3s from fish
What happens in the brain with aging?
Blood supply decreases
Number of neurons diminishes
Nutrient deficiencies in brain function
Deficiencies may contribute to the loss of memory and cognition
Folate, vitamins B6 & B12 slow brain atrophy
May be prevented, diminished, or delayed through diet
Sarcopenia
age related loss of skeletal muscle
RDA for protein in older adult
0.8 g/kg; but may need 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg