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imtmphoto/iStock/Thinkstock Eating right and staying active are important no matter what your age. As we get older our bodies have different needs, so certain nutrients become especially important for good health. Calcium and Vitamin DAdults older than 70 need more calcium and vitamin D to help maintain bone health than they did in their younger years. To meet these needs, select calcium-rich foods and beverages and aim for three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products each day. Other sources of calcium include fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, canned fish with soft bones, and fortified plant-based beverages. Sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon, eggs and fortified foods and beverages. If you take a calcium supplement or multivitamin, choose one that contains vitamin D. Vitamin B12Some adults older than 50 may not be able to absorb enough vitamin B12. Fortified cereal, lean meat and fish and seafood are sources of vitamin B12. Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian nutritionist if you need a vitamin B12 supplement. Dietary FiberEat fiber-rich foods to stay regular. Dietary fiber also may help lower your risk for heart disease and reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Eat whole-grain breads and cereals, and more beans peas and lentils— along with whole fruits and vegetables which also provide dietary fiber. PotassiumConsuming adequate potassium, along with limiting sodium (salt) intake, may lower your risk of high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables, beans and low-fat or fat-free dairy products are all sources of potassium. Also, select and prepare foods with little or no added salt. Add flavor to food with herbs and spices. Know Your FatsMost of the fats you eat should be polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are primarily found in nuts, seeds, avocados, vegetable oils and fish. Choose foods that are low in saturated fat to help reduce your risk of heart disease. Freshly PickedExplore...Find Nutrition ExpertsNeed serious help making a plan? The nutrition experts in our professional membership are ready to help you create the change to improve your life. Find a Nutrition Expert
 Review articleChanges during aging and their association with malnutritionUnder a Creative Commons license Open access AbstractThe aging process involves changes in physiological, pathological, social, and psychological conditions of a person. Nutrition is an important element of health among the elderly, and it affects the whole process of aging. The prevalence of malnutrition is increasing in this population and is associated with a decline in functional status, impaired muscle function, decreased bone mass, immune dysfunction, anemia, reduced cognitive function, poor wound healing, delayed recovery from surgery, higher hospital readmission rates, and mortality. Due to changing socioeconomic environment, elderly people are often left alone to fend for themselves to maintain their health, which may interfere with the maintenance of a good nutritional status. Regular diagnosis of malnutrition among older patients increases the need for more education regarding nutritional status in older patients, and the purpose of this article is to provide information with an educational overview of essential nutritional aspect associated with changes in aging. Keywordscommunity health geriatrics health nutrition Cited by (0)Copyright © 2015 Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. By Janice Hermann
Factors Which Affect Food IntakeGood nutrition can help keep the body healthy. However, many factors can affect older adults’ ability or desire to grocery shop, cook or eat. Physical FactorsMuscle mass tends to decrease with age. This can result in lower strength, energy, mobility and balance. This can make grocery shopping, cooking and even eating difficult. Bone mass tends to decline with age. This can lower mobility and increase fracture risk. It can also affect grocery shopping and cooking. Joint problems, such as arthritis, are a problem for many older adults. Joint problems can hinder grocery shopping, cooking and eating. Vision tends to decline with age. This can make grocery shopping and cooking harder. Taste and smell tend to decline with age. Foods may not taste the same causing lower food intake. Saliva tends to decrease with age. Foods may be dry and difficult to swallow which can lower food intake. Tooth and mouth problems can make chewing and swallowing difficult. These can lower food appeal. Digestion changes occur with age. This can cause digestion problems or food intolerances. This can lower food appeal. Intestinal motility tends to decline with age. Along with low fluid and fiber intake, this can result in constipation. This can lower food appeal. Social FactorsLoss of social contact is a problem for many older adults. Retirement and loss of family and friends can lead to loneliness. Lack of communication can be more important than living alone. Loneliness can lead to lower interest in shopping, cooking and eating. This can lead to poor eating habits. Emotional FactorsAlthough not a problem for all, depression is a problem for many older adults. Loss of social contact, retirement, and loss of family and friends can cause depression. Some medicines can also cause depression. Depression can also lead to lack of interest in shopping, cooking and eating. This can result in a poor diet. Medication FactorsMedicines can lower appetite in several ways. Some medicines can cause nausea. Some can affect taste. Some can cause of depression. Money FactorsMany older adults have limited funds. This can result in less money for food or transportation to shop. Limited funds can result in moving into housing with less space for storing and cooking food. This may affect the quality of food choices. Janice Hermann Extension Nutrition Specialist Was this information helpful?YESNO What are the physiological changes that occurs with aging that have an impact on nutrition?Physiological changes associated with age, including slower gastric emptying, altered hormonal responses, decreased basal metabolic rate, and altered taste and smell may also contribute to lowered energy intake.
What are some physiological changes in the elderly?Physiological changes occur with aging in all organ systems. The cardiac output decreases, blood pressure increases and arteriosclerosis develops. The lungs show impaired gas exchange, a decrease in vital capacity and slower expiratory flow rates.
What are the physiological factors influencing nutritional needs?Physiologic factors affecting intake control during childhood and adolescence include age, sex, pubertal stage, body fatness, and the macronutrient composition of food.
What are the factors that affect the nutritional needs of older adults?Factors Which Affect Food Intake. Good nutrition can help keep the body healthy. ... . Physical Factors. Muscle mass tends to decrease with age. ... . Social Factors. Loss of social contact is a problem for many older adults. ... . Emotional Factors. ... . Medication Factors. ... . Money Factors.. |
