Topic 11 - Lifecycle Nutrition Flashcards
The increase in the proportion of older Australians is largely due to . . .
improved health and longevity
however it means there is likely to be an increase in CHRONIC disease in the population
Average life expectancy is increasing in Australia. What is it for men vs women?
Males - 79.9 years
Females - 84.3 years
What are the benefits of regular physical activity in older adults?
- lower weight
- greater flexibility
- increased endurance
- better balance & health
- longer lifespan
How is exercise good for muscles in older adults?
- can delay the decrease in muscle mass & strength that occurs with age
- loss of muscle mass is a major cause of injury (from falls), disability, and even death
- strength training (>85 years) can prevent muscle atrophy and improves body composition & energy metabolism
also increased blood flow to the brain –> improved cognitive functioning
What is the difference b/w physiological age vs chronological age?
- physiological age: reflects health status
- chronological age: the actual person’s age
How can people improve physiological age?
- sleeping regularly & adequately
- eating well-balanced meals, inc. breakfast regularly
- not smoking
- not drinking alcohol, or drinking it in moderation only
- maintaining a healthy body weight
- regular social engagement & using the mind
Animal studies suggest that ________ may increase life and reduce risk of diseases
energy restriction
animals tho exhibit a range of metabolic, physical, and endocrine changes – hard to replicate in humans (how much restriction?)
Biggest problems with age caused by?
shifts to muscular skeletal system
What is sarcopenia?
- age associated decline in skeletal mass + function
- muscle loss –> less able to move = falls are more likely
- lean mass is replaced with fat mass (sarcopenic obesity)
- decreased resting metabolic rate
- can lead to overall reductions in energy expenditure when paired with reductions in physical activity
Immune system changes in old age
- both cellular & passive immunity (i.e. skin barrier to infection) is compromised in old age
- malnutrition also increases vulnerability to infectious diseases
Taste + smell changes in old age
- decline after age 60
- with 75% of those > 80 years having some olfactory impairment
- can reduce food enjoyment and detection of spoiled or burnt foods
Changes in the gastrointestinal system
- appetite & thirst
hunger + satiety cues weaker; blunted thirst regulation can cause dehydration - loss of teeth/periodontal disease
reduced ability to masticate food (avoidance of certain foods too) - dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing
caused by decreased flow and increased viscosity of saliva –> impairs nutrient absorption & contributes to periodontal disease - reduced stomach acid + digestive enzymes
impacts on bioavailability of several nutrients, i.e. folic acid, vitamin B12, iron - slower peristalsis & gastrointestinal motility
–> functional changes & a reduction in GI secretions increases GI transit time and constipation
Why do older people experience changes in cognitive function?
blood supply and the number of neurons in the brain decreases - can impair memory
Psychological changes in older people
depression & loss of appetite commonly occur together
Social changes in older people
- loneliness is directly related to low energy intakes
- malnutrition is common, especially among those who live alone
Living arranges/economic changes…
can have a significant impact on food choices, eating habits, and nutritional status
On average, how much do adult energy needs decline by?
they decline by 5% per decade after age 50
What are some important energy & nutrient needs of older adults?
- energy: declines due to decrease in basal metabolic rate + thyroid hormones diminish
- protein: increased requirements to maintain positive nitrogen balance, which protects muscle mass, boosts immune system, and optimizes bone mass
- carbohydrate & fibre: CHOs required for energy; needed for protein-sparing - fibre (& water) help alleviate constipation
- fat: needs to be moderate
Vitamin B12 in older adults
- no change in requirements
- however, inadequate HCl & intrinsic factor might influence B12 absorption
Calcium in older adults
- RDI increases to 1300mg/d (>50y) due to increased bone mineral loss >40yrs
- increased urinary calcium loss
- decreased calcium absorption