Nutritional Requirements for Older Adults Affecting Oral Health Flashcards
What is the most common nutritional disorder in older adults?
Obesity.
What chronic diseases does obesity contribute to in older adults?
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How does obesity affect age-related physical decline?
It exacerbates physical decline, leading to frailty.
What are common risk factors for malnutrition in older adults?
Less education and income
housebound status
physical disabilities
depression
drastic life changes.
How do dietary restrictions for chronic disease management affect nutrition?
They can lead to confusion and inadequate nutrition.
How can cancer treatments affect eating habits?
Through loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, xerostomia, or taste changes.
What are indicators of malnutrition risk related to the oral cavity?
Chewing, swallowing, and mouth pain.
How do changes in taste and smell affect food choices?
They increase cariogenic food choices.
How does reduced antimicrobial properties of saliva affect oral health?
It increases oral health risks.
What effect does xerostomia have on food choices?
It leads to the avoidance of crunchy, dry, and sticky foods.
What is dental stomatitis linked to, and what does it increase the risk of?
It is linked to high sugar intake and increases the risk of Candida.
How can periodontal disease affect nutrition?
It can lead to weight loss.
What is the relationship between reduced tooth count and diet?
Reduced tooth count correlates with lower fruit and vegetable intake and decreased levels of essential nutrients.
What issue do denture wearers face related to nutrition?
Reduced masticatory efficiency.
How does hypogeusia affect food preferences?
It alters food preferences due to loss of taste.
What is the prevalence of edentulism in those over 85 years old?
It is higher in individuals over 85 years old.
How do weight fluctuations affect denture fit?
They lead to ulcers and discomfort due to poor fit.
What is dysphagia, and how does it affect nutrition?
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing due to esophageal motility issues, leading to slow eating and inadequate intake.
What does a decreased hydrochloric acid secretion affect nutrient absorption?
It affects calcium, iron, and vitamin B12 absorption.
What causes constipation, and what can help alleviate it?
Altered motility causes constipation, and fiber, hydration, and physical activity help alleviate it.
What condition reduces hydrochloric acid production and affects digestion?
Atrophic gastritis (chronic stomach inflammation).
How does aging affect hydration status?
Aging reduces thirst sensation, increasing the risk of dehydration.
How does dehydration affect dentures?
It may cause dentures to become ill-fitting.
what chronic illnesses impair fluid balance?
Chronic illnesses, such as heart and kidney disease, impair fluid balance.
What is a leading cause of confusion in older adults?
Dehydration.
Why might older adults avoid drinking water?
Due to mobility issues, medication side effects, and kidney function decline.
How does inactivity affect muscle mass and risk of falls?
Inactivity contributes to muscle loss and increases fall risk.
What happens to bone resorption as individuals age?
Bone resorption progresses rapidly with age.
How does lean body mass change with age?
Lean body mass declines up to 0.4% annually after age 45, while adipose tissue increases.
What is sarcopenia, and what does it involve?
Sarcopenia is the reduction of skeletal muscle mass, which replaces muscle with fat.
How does declining lean body mass affect metabolism?
It decreases basal metabolic rate.
How do energy and protein needs change with age?
Caloric needs decrease with age, but protein needs remain constant, proportional to body weight. High-quality protein (25-30 g per meal) supports muscle protein synthesis.
How does bone loss affect older adults?
It increases fracture risk and disability.
What financial and food access challenges do older adults face?
Fixed incomes, inflation, medical costs, limited transportation, and inability to drive.
What psychological factors affect appetite and diet in older adults?
Apathy, depression, and loneliness reduce appetite and lead to poor dietary intake.
What vitamin deficiencies are common in older adults?
Vitamin D insufficiency (30% of those over 60 in winter)
reduced vitamin B12 absorption (10-30%)
vitamin B6 and B12 that mimic dementia symptoms.
How do vitamins and minerals support older adults’ health?
Increased folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 support cognitive function and reduce coronary artery disease risk.
Calcium supports bone mass
magnesium absorption is affected by aging.
What are recommended snacks for older adults?
Cheese, hard-boiled eggs, low-fat milk products, bananas, canned fruit, and milk-based supplements like instant breakfast mix.
What are common dietary issues among older adults?
Poor diets, low consumption of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, especially for those living alone, and limited milk intake due to cost and inconvenience.
What mineral intake adjustments should older adults make?
Calcium intake (1,200 mg/day) supports bone health, and sodium should be adjusted for hypertension and congestive heart failure.
How do social isolation and missing teeth impact diet?
They increase the risk of dietary inadequacies.
How does food preference affect older adults’ nutrition?
Soft food preferences reduce protein intake and increase simple carbohydrate consumption.
What dietary guidelines should older adults follow?
Increase whole grains, vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy, and reduce sodium and added sugars.
Why are older adults more susceptible to foodborne illnesses?
Due to compromised immune function, decreased stomach acid, and reduced taste and smell.
What food selection recommendations are made for older adults?
Choose fresh, frozen, or no-salt-added vegetables/fruits, reduced-sodium beans, rinse canned items in syrup/fluids, and use unsalted nuts and dried fruits as snacks.
What are the recommended daily doses for key supplements for older adults?
Calcium (≤2,500 mg), Vitamin D (≤4,000 IU), Vitamin B12 (2.4 µg), and Omega-3 (consider fish oil supplements).
Why do many older adults take dietary supplements?
Due to poor eating habits or medical advice.
What condition can result from age-related macular degeneration?
Central vision loss due to retinal deterioration.
