Old Adults

Question 1

Older adults Overview

Answer 1

Older population growin
Nutrition should be considered regarding function and not age
Now a new image of an older adult
Transition from work to not working

Question 2

Physiological changes in old adults

Answer 2

Fluid balance and renal function
Skeletal changes
Physical fitness
Changes to immune system 
Body composition

Question 3

Changes in body composition in older adults

Answer 3

Loss of bone and muscle
Gastrointestinal tract
-Teeth loss
-Changes in sense
-Atrophic gastritis (limits B12)

Question 4

Older adults and medication

Answer 4

More likely to be chronically ill
Mor medications that compete separately and inhibit nutrition
Differing social an economic situations

Question 5

Examples of old adults being heterogeneity

Answer 5

Free living
Institutionalized
Hospitalized
Nursing home

Question 6

Malnutrition

Answer 6

Poor nutrition encompasses inadequate and excess intake

Question 7

Types of malnutrition

Answer 7

Specific
Long standing
Sudden
Recurrent

Question 8

Specific malnutrition

Answer 8

Deficiency of a particular nutrient

Question 9

Long standing malnutrition

Answer 9

Clinical appearance of energy and nutrient deficiencies after inadequate eating (neglact)

Question 10

Sudden malnutrtion

Answer 10

Disruptive life event such as a fall or bereavement

Question 11

Recurrent malnutrition

Answer 11

Existing inadequate nutritional status followed by period of illness and subsequent malnutrition

Question 12

Obesity from 85 onwards

Answer 12

Being overweight may protect and individual

Leading to better life

Question 13

Assessment of status for the very old

Answer 13

BMI

Demispan index

Question 14

Demispan index

Answer 14

Middle of chest to tip of middle finger

This does not shrink so can predict actual height

Question 15

Underweight mean in the very old

Answer 15

Mortality lower in overweight and obese

Hospital stay greater than 14 days higher in underweight than overweight

Question 16

Nutrition in the old

Answer 16

Prevention of weight loss is important

Being undernourished drains NHS (longer stays etc)

Question 17

Prevalence of malnutrition

Answer 17

5-10% of independent
30-60% if institutionalized
35-60% of hospitalized
85% in nursing homes

Question 18

Sarcopenia

Answer 18

Loss of muscle mass and function
Women loose 0.6kg year
Men loos 1.6kg a year

Question 19

causes of sarcopenia

Answer 19

Sex hormones
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Inadequate use
Inadequate nutrition
Endocrine reason

Question 20

Gastrointestinal changes

Answer 20

Nutrients may not be digest or absorbed as well
-Atrophic gastritis
Decrease in hormones and enzyme production
Dentias and dry mouth

Question 21

Polypharmacy

Answer 21

Multiple drugs at once
Warfarin reduces vitamin K absorption
Should be checked by dietician in hospital

Question 22

Social and economic changes

Answer 22

People who eat and cook alone eat less and less varied
Limited income - own financial challenges
Older people more likely to have comfort food that are high in fat and carbs