Elderly Nutrition

Changes due to the aging process also need to be addressed. Calcium reabsorption increases especially in women after the menopause, this decreases bone density. Lean tissue decreases as fat increases with age; there is also a decline in the percentage of body water meaning that body temperature is more difficult to control. Thirst decline and decreased renal function means that older people can become dehydrated (Copeman 1999). The function of the bowel reduces, meaning that the elderly are more susceptible to indigestion and constipation. The risk of constipation is also increased with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s UK 2011). The final consideration is the deterioration of the sensory system. Taste, smell, vison, pain and touch all decline meaning that food may not be as appealing (Copeman 1999).

It’s also important a person with dementia sees a nutritionist so they get the correct and balanced diet.

1.3 Outline how other health and emotional conditions may affect the nutritional needs of an individual with dementia

More people are living much longer lives than in years past. People are very surprised to be living much longer lives than they thought they would. Health care has played a large part in patient longevity. There are many normal changes that come along with aging, however, because people are living longer these normal changes can become chronic problems. Common aging problems that can make the older adult a vulnerable population are reviewed in Gerontological Nursing (Tabloski, 2014) and can include nutritional needs, medication management, sleep changes, oral or mouth care, renal problems and musculoskeletal concerns. According to A Profile of Older Americans: 2013 (http://www.hhs.gov), there are a large amount

A balanced diet is important to people with dementia because if they do not have a nutritional diet then it can worsen their condition. Weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and inadequate fluid intake can all have a negative effect on a person’s dementia. It is the care assistances job to make sure that the individuals get the correct diet they each need.

3 Outline how other health and emotional conditions may affect the nutritional needs of an individuals with dementia.

Over 8.2 million seniors over the age 60 face the threat of food insecurity, up 78% from a decade ago affecting one in seven seniors. The rise in food insecurity is primarily seen among senior Americans with income less than $30,000 or one to two times the poverty level. Younger seniors between the ages 60-69 are becoming more likely to become food insecure than older adults, due to early retirements and not being able to rely on Social Security or Medicare until they reach 65. Elder malnourished patients experience 2 to 20 times more complications and 100% longer hospital stays. Good nutrition is vital to helping America’s 34 million seniors to stay healthy,

In recent years, there has been research involving the causes and consequences of poor nutrition among the elderly. Researchers continually work to distinguish risk factors of inadequate nutrition; the factors of most concern are “poor appetite, functional limitations, limited income, and social isolation” (Lirette, Podovennikoff, Wismer, Tondu, Klatt, 2007). Individuals at highest risk are those who live at home with a lack of family support (Krondl, Coleman, Lau, 2008). The diets of many elderly people are often low in calories and lacking important nutrients. All of these factors can affect the health and quality of life in the older adult. Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of

1) describe how cognitive, functional and emotional changes with dementia can affect eating, drinking and nutrition.

The first article found was, “Socioeconomic Characteristics, Dietary and Lifestyle pattern, and Health and Weight Status of Older Adults in NHANES, A Comparison of Caucasians and African Americans”. The objectives of the study were to compare the socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health status of Caucasian (non-Hispanic whites) and African American (non-Hispanic blacks); to examine their food and nutrient intakes; and to compare their body weight status (Bowman, 2009). This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The data collected included, dietary intakes, physical activity, economic and health status. The subjects that were chosen in this study included 1,398 Caucasian adults and 354 African American adults age 65 and older that had complete and reliable dietary intake data on day 1 on the survey. The dietary dada was collected using an interviewer- assisted, 24 hour recall method. The socioeconomic

Most aging adults do not receive the necessary preventive services to help promote health and wellness during this stage of life. These preventive services include vaccinations and screenings. These important services help detect many diseases, delay their onset, or identify them early in their most treatable stages to ensure healthier, longer, and more productive lives for older adults (Prevention, 2011). Better people take care of themselves the longer they will live. People who balance: the right diet, making better choices and not acting sedentary has a better chance in living longer lives.

Nutritional well-being plays an essential role in the overall health, independence, and quality of life of older persons as well as disabled persons. This nation has a responsibility to at risk populations such as the elderly. Today, there are close to 6 million seniors in the United States facing the threat of hunger. Some of these citizens were raised during the Great Depression, they went on to protect our independence in the Second World War and won the cold war. America's older citizens have been called the greatest generation by many. It is morally wrong that the citizens that built this country should suffer starvation in this land of plenty, which they helped to form. Our country

The amount of vitamin D should increase and the amount of vitamin A should stay the same as younger adults. Vitamin A can be tricky though, because it absorbs faster in older adults. This means it can be easy to consume too much, causing toxicity. Taking vitamin B supplements is a good idea because vitamin B is also very important in older adults. If they do not take enough it could contribute to dementia and heart disease.

      At any age, nutrition is vital to maintaining health and enhancing quality of life.  However, achieving good nutrition can be especially difficult for the elderly, the fastest growing portion of America's population.  Many factors, including physiological changes, changes in nutritional needs, illness and physical limitations, food-medication interactions, depression and loneliness, and food insecurity are common causes of malnutrition in the elderly.  This paper will explore factors affecting elderly nutrition, provide suggestions for obtaining and maintaining good nutrition after age 65, and describe the services available to help the elderly meet their nutritional needs.

2. As people age, the individual’s energy or caloric needs are less. However, the protein, vitamins and minerals requirements remain constant. Healthy older adults should increase the amount of protein the diet to maintain muscle mass, especially if the person is sick. Overweight individuals should consider lowering fat intake. Also, nutritional intakes should incorporate ample amounts of calcium and vitamins (Aldwin & Gilmer, 2013). The aging person should also consume fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruit, and vegetables which will make them feel more energetic and give you fuel to keep going (Saisan, Segal, & White, 2017). “Exercise, a