Nutrition through the Lifecycle - Elderly Flashcards
In the UK, what age is considered elderly?
65+ (retirement age)
Why does risk of fibre deficiency increase with ageing?
Fibrous foods are harder to chew and swallow
elderly may have poor dentition
Why does risk of Vit C deficiency increase with ageing?
Fruits and Veg harder to purchase due to motility issues
Fruits and veg harder to eat due to arthritis e.g., peeling an orange, or chewing e.g., poor dentition
What risks are associated with vitamin D and calcium deficiency in the elderly?
decreased bone mass
Why does risk of Vit D deficiency increase with ageing?
Elderly people are less able to get outside and spend time in the sun due to reduced mobility.
Reduced absorption of Vit B12, iron and zinc in the elderly is thought to be related to?
reduced gastric acidity which comes hand in hand with reduced digestion.
What vitamins might be required in higher amounts in the elderly? Why?
Vit B6, B12 and Folate
they are linked to cognitive function
What are the three main physiological changes of concern that occur during aging?
Bone loss
Muscle loss
Fat gain
Describe the pathogenesis of osteosarcopenic obesity.
fat gain and redistribution occurs during the ageing process.
decreased bone mass + fat gain = osteoporotic obesity
decreased muscle mass + fat gain = sarcopenic obesity
decreased muscle mass & bone mass = osteosarcopenic obesity
What are the physiological consequences of osteo/sarcopenic obesity?
loss of function
loss of mobility
increased risk of fractures/falls
increased risk of morbidity
Define sarcopenia.
How is sarcopenia diagnosed?
The loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs during the ageing process.
Criteria 1, plus either Critera 2 or 3:
- low muscle mass
- low muscle strength
- low physical performance
criteria 1 alone = probable
criteria 1 + 2 = confirmed
criteria 1 +2 + 3 = severe
how does muscle loss lead to sarcopenic obesity?
fat surrounds the muscle and fills the space where muscle was previously
fat also infiltrates the muscle
what is the required protein intake for the elderly?
1.2kg protein per kg body weight
40% elderly adults do not meet this recommendation.
How does osteosarcopenic obesity occur?
muscle wasting leads to inactivity and weight loss
energy requirement decreases but often the elderly person may not make this reduction
positive energy balance = fat gain
what is the difference between primary and secondary sarcopenia?
primary:
no other cause except ageing
secondary:
can be broken down into 3 categories:
activity related: caused by factors such as bedrest, illness, sedentary lifestyle.
disease related: associated with organ failure, endocrine disease, cancer
nutrition related: inadequate dietary intake of energy/protein as well as factors such as malabsorption, digestive issues, anorexia etc.
