Nutrition In Older Adults And Elderly Flashcards
What are the current demographic trend’s?
People tend to be living longer and there are less people having children
Is there a difference in life expectancy between different social classes?
Yes. Those in the least deprived areas tend to live approximately 24 years longer than those in the most deprived areas of Scotland.
How is the ageing process determined?
Genetics
Chronic disease
Molecular and cellular damage resulting in the loss of function and frailty
Behavioural and environmental factors - nutrition, physical activity, smoking
Dietary restrictions
Luck
What does young vs frail older adults refer to?
Younger older adults - very fit, fit and managing well. The focus of this group is to add health to years. This is to try and avoid preventable disease.
Frail older adults - vulnerable, mildly frail, moderately frail, severely frail, very severely frail. Less likely to live on own home. It is important to try and maintain as much independence.
What is sarcopenia?
The progressive loss of muscle mass and physical functions
What can help minimise sarcopenia?
Weight bearing and resistance exercise increases lean muscle mass and bone density. Exercise can also help improve protein uptake from food
How does BMI differ with older adults?
In younger adults 18.5-25 g/m2 is typically healthy.
In older adults <24kg/m2 can be associated wi5 health problems.
24-29kg/m2 maybe be a more suitable weight range.
Waist-hip ratios over the recommendations of older adults are?
64% in men
62% in women
How does fluid balance change physiologically for older adults?
- Reduction in total body water
- Decline in thirst perception
- Dehydration occurs more quickly and rehydration is less efficient.
- Deterioration in renal function.
What are the considerations of fluid balance for older adults
- Reduced ability to prepare drinks.
- Increased urine output with diuretic drugs.
- Unwillingness to drink
- Dehydration can lead to constipation, cognitive impairment, and efficacy of medications.
How does bone mineral density change over time?
Peak bone mass around 30yo
After 30yo bone loss begins. Around 0.7-1% a year
This increases in women post menopause. 2-3% a year
By 60years old what is the average loss of bone?
There is a 20% loss of bone mineral from 20 years old
What does the ageing process begin to start?
Between the ages of 20-30
How does ageing affect taste?
Taste receptor cell turnover rate reduce.
The threshold for sweet/salty increase
Drugs, treatment and disease can affect taste
How does ageing affect dentition
A reduced ability to chew and swallow
Lack of teeth or poorly fitting dentures influence food type, quality and quantity. Those who have their own teeth tend to have higher vitamin and mineral uptakes.
How does ageing affect the oesophagus?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) - can cause pain and difficulty swallowing, uncomfortable heartburn, feeling sick.
What is the difference between young older adults and frail older adults?
Young older adults - Are on the very fit to managing well on the scale. The focus is to add on years to their health and try to prolong any further illnesses or disabilities.
Frail older adults - Vulnerable to very severely frail on the scale. The focus is to try and keep independence for the individual for as long as possible, even if they are no longer living at home. This group is more likely to have nutrient deficiencies.
How does aging and body composition differ with age?
As you get older the fat free mass starts to decrease during middle age and after 60 years old the FFM decrease speeds up.
How does food bioavailability change as we age?
Bioavailability of certain nutrients can begin to decrease over age. This is due to changes in the gastrointestinal system.
