Nutrition and Ageing

Question 1

What does the term sarcopenia mean?

Answer 1

Loss of skeletal muscle bulk accompanied by reduced strength which occurs without the presence of an underlying illness. It leads to disability with an increase in falls

Question 2

What does cachexia mean?

Answer 2

Loss of skeletal muscle due and weakness to the presence of chronic illness

Question 3

For people aged 60+ the daily energy requirement is calculated by their BMR multiplied by?

Answer 3

1.5

Question 4

Nutritional deficits in the elderly are common and can be caused by?

Answer 4

Dental problems, lack of cooking skills, depression and lack of motivation

Question 5

A key nutritional supplement for the elderly population within institutions would be what?

Answer 5

Vitamin D 20microgram/day - due to lack of sunlight and poor dietary intake

Question 6

Due to the high level of osteoporosis in the elderly what other nutrient should be increased?

Answer 6

Calcium - 1-1.5g day