Aging 1 Flashcards
What is the average life expectancy in Canada for men and women?
The average life expectancy is about 80 years for men and 84 years for women. Women tend to live longer, partly due to biological factors and lifestyle choices such as being more health-conscious.
How does socioeconomic status (SES) impact life expectancy?
People with higher SES generally live longer due to better access to healthcare, nutrition, and healthier living conditions. Those in lower SES groups may experience higher rates of chronic illness and reduced access to healthcare services.
Where do most older adults prefer to live as they age?
Most older adults prefer to “age in place”, meaning they stay in their homes rather than move to assisted living facilities. They may hire support services as needed to maintain independence.
How does living alone affect an older adult’s health?
Older adults who live alone are more likely to experience food insecurity, social isolation, and poor perceived health. Limited mobility and difficulty accessing food can contribute to malnutrition and increased health risks.
What percentage of older adults experience food insecurity, and why is it relatively low?
About 4% of older adults experience food insecurity. This number is lower than other age groups because many seniors receive pension income and have reduced food expenses due to smaller appetites.
What percentage of adults 65+ have at least one chronic disease, and what are common examples?
Around 73% of adults over 65 have at least one chronic disease, such as hypertension, osteoarthritis, or periodontal disease. Managing these conditions often requires dietary adjustments and medication.
What percentage of seniors continue working after 65, and why?
About 14% of seniors still work after 65, often due to financial need, staying mentally active, or personal fulfillment. While pensions and social security help, they may not be enough to cover living expenses for all seniors.
What are the primary goals of nutrition in aging?
The main goals of nutrition for older adults are to promote longevity, prevent chronic diseases, and support independence. Proper nutrition helps maintain energy levels, muscle strength, and cognitive function.
Why do older adults need increased vitamin D, B12, and calcium?
Vitamin D: Skin synthesis decreases with age, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Vitamin B12: Absorption is reduced due to lower stomach acid production, leading to potential deficiency.
Calcium: Needed for bone maintenance, as bone density decreases with age.
What factors influence nutrition and food access in aging?
Older adults may struggle with chronic health conditions, medication side effects, financial constraints, mobility limitations, and psychosocial changes like loss of a spouse, leading to poor eating habits.
How can proper nutrition support aging adults?
A well-balanced diet with adequate protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals helps maintain muscle and bone mass, prevent malnutrition, support cognitive function, and manage chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
How does aging affect taste and smell, and what are the consequences?
Taste buds decline, and saliva production decreases, making foods taste blander.
Smell perception weakens, reducing overall flavor recognition.
These changes can lead to reduced appetite, lower food intake, and potential malnutrition.
What common vision problems develop with aging?
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens due to protein damage (reversible with surgery).
Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, causing vision loss (irreversible).
Presbyopia: Age-related farsightedness, making reading difficult.
What is dysphagia, and why is it a concern in older adults?
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, often due to neurological disorders, strokes, or weakened throat muscles. It can cause choking, reduced food intake, weight loss, and increased risk of pneumonia from aspiration.
Why are older adults more prone to constipation?
Constipation is common due to:
Reduced muscle tone in the intestines, slowing digestion.
Lower fluid intake, as thirst sensation declines with age.
Low fiber intake, common in processed diets.
Medications, such as painkillers and antidepressants, which slow bowel movements.
How does kidney function decline with aging, and what are the effects?
Reduced kidney filtration efficiency makes it harder to balance fluids and electrolytes.
Older adults are less able to excrete excess sodium, increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
Dehydration risk increases due to reduced thirst sensation.
How does liver function decline with age?
The liver becomes less efficient at metabolizing drugs and alcohol, increasing sensitivity to medications and alcohol-related effects.
How do testosterone levels change in men as they age?
Testosterone levels gradually decline after 40, leading to reduced muscle mass, lower energy levels, and changes in mood or libido.
What hormonal changes occur during menopause, and how do they affect health?
Estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
Metabolism slows down, leading to weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
Increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease due to lower estrogen levels.
How does aging affect energy needs and metabolism?
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) decreases, leading to slower calorie burning.
This often causes weight gain in mid-life, followed by muscle loss in later life if physical activity is low.
What is sarcopenia, and how does it impact aging?
Sarcopenia is age-related muscle loss, caused by reduced protein synthesis, hormonal changes, and inactivity. It leads to frailty, weakness, increased fall risk, and loss of independence.
How can older adults prevent sarcopenia?
Consuming enough protein to support muscle maintenance.
Engaging in regular strength and resistance exercises to stimulate muscle growth.
Ensuring adequate calorie intake to prevent muscle breakdown.
Why is osteoporosis a major concern for older adults?
Osteoporosis causes bone loss, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. Hip and spine fractures are especially dangerous, as they can lead to disability or even death within a year in some cases.
Why are hip, spine, and wrist fractures more common in aging?
These areas contain trabecular (spongy) bone, which has a high turnover rate and is more sensitive to hormone changes and nutritional deficiencies.
What major psychological challenges do older adults face?
Adjusting to:
Retirement and potential financial changes.
Loss of loved ones, leading to grief and social isolation.
Health decline, reducing independence and mobility.
How do psychological changes impact eating habits?
Social isolation can reduce motivation to cook and eat.
Depression or anxiety may lead to appetite loss or overeating.
Cognitive decline can make meal planning and grocery shopping difficult.
How can older adults maintain healthy eating habits despite these challenges?
Eating with family or in social settings to make meals enjoyable.
Choosing easy-to-prepare, nutrient-dense foods.
Seeking support from caregivers, meal services, or community programs when needed.
