Financial Constraints Affecting The Nutrition Of The Elderly

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).

As society continues to age, one fourth of the world will be 65 years or older, thanks to the influx of baby boomers. Due to this rapid growth in longevity, this will multiply the problem of access to care. Attention towards systemic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and strokes are being discussed by government agencies and health care professionals. (Overview of oral health, 2017). There is evidence linking oral health to systemic health, therefore, a need for a more collaborative approach towards prevention is critical to achieve overall health for the public (Jin, 2016).

For many seniors, the days of George Washington and wooden teeth did not seem like such a far-fetched concept. In fact, dentures and old age were virtually synonymous. Over the last few decades, the number of seniors who do not need to go down the path of tooth loss, dentures, and oral health misery has increased.

3. Humans are born with approximately 10,000 taste buds. After the age of 50, seniors can begin to lose taste buds. Additionally, many seniors lose their sense of smell. This can make enjoying food and getting enough calories difficult for some elderly.

In 2007, nearly six million senior citizens in America faced the threat of hunger. Today more than 9.3 million seniors over the age of 60 are struggling with hunger and the numbers are continually rising (Schilling, 2010). Many of our nation’s seniors live on limited incomes and have tremendous difficulty in making ends meet. Staples such as eggs, bread and milk costs are rapidly rising. Utility costs are soaring. Many seniors are finding themselves paying more for medical care and many are finding themselves in financial trouble and cannot keep up with the cost of living. Due to declining health issues, high medical bills greatly reduces their income and some often find themselves choosing between medication and food. Malnutrition is one of the greatest contributors to costly hospital stays and nursing home admissions. In 2014, there were over 4,800 seniors in Scioto County, Ohio over the age of 65 living below the poverty line and facing the threat of hunger (Scioto County Commissioners, 2016).

One age related illness that leads to malnutrition is Dementia as low levels of protein in the diet destroys brain cells and inhibits problems of memory loss, difficulty thinking and communicating. This causes the inability to communicate needs when it comes to eating. As dementia gets worse, the ability to remember flavours tampers with taste buds. At the same time taste buds diminish with age and the salivary glands start to dry up, this can have an effect on eating habits so food preferences can change frequently and be

Senior people, just like everyone else, need to eat properly to maintain health. Eating well can improve mental acuteness, resistance to illness, and energy levels. You have to maintain a healthy diet to have a positive outlook and being emotionally balanced. We, ExPO Signature Home Care, a home health care agency in New Jersey, helps our senior maintain a healthy diet is by providing them with of Go, Grow, and Glow foods.

|be associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia and other health problems that are common in older adults (American Dental |

A large number of postmenopausal, older American women, between the ages of 56 and 81, answered a number of questions about their health. Some of the questions were about their dental history. In particular, they were asked if they had ever had dental problems, including gum disease. The

Diminished oral health caused by tooth loss has a great impact on individuals’ well-being and quality of life. Edentulism results in impairment of masticatory function and speech, altered self-image, and social disability. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that aging, rural geo-locality, and lower education levels are all predictors of edentulism (1). Current demographic trends forecast an increased size and age of the senior population and that edentulism will continue to be a major oral health problem. Douglass and colleagues (2) estimated that the adult population in the US who need one or two complete dentures is expected to increase to nearly 37.9 million in 2020. A recent news article published in 2014 by the American Dental Association

      Although calorie needs decrease, the elderly have an increased need for certain vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is especially important for the elderly to eat foods that are nutrient dense (6). They should eat an array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish, poultry, low-fat milk, and dairy products while reducing intake of sweets.

The general objective of this research paper is to increase awareness about a mostly hidden epidemic among the elderly. Studies show one in every two older people are at risk for malnutrition. (Drewnowski & Evans, 2001) Findings also show that hunger among the elderly is an enormous, far-reaching problem found in places across the globe, but the United States seems to be an unlikely place to find starvation where food is plentiful. Consequently, because of ineffective intervention, older adults are slowly starving to death in their homes, as well as independent living situations, nursing homes, and hospitals alike. It seems despite malnutrition being a preventable condition, the prevalence of the problem has

Just because some people are getting older doesn't mean you should stop caring for your teeth. Tooth decay may develop on an old restorative care, so you should still be visiting your dentist on a regular basis. There has been statistics that gum disease mostly develop in adults. The aging should still be taking care of their most important part of their body which is there teeth. Because some elders might believe in the saying “ if it aint broke, dont fix it”, its not so helpful at all. It doesn't have to be broken to get fixed but if your teeth are rotting and damaging while you age you should be getting them fixed. (“Adult Dental Health”) That is why there are such things as dentures that can be put in as you age. Dentures are a replacement for teeth for a lifetime , but it doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of them because

The advantages of good oral hygiene can help prevent existing and prevalent dental problems, primarily plaque and calculus, which are the major causes of caries (cavities) and tooth decay. Dental caries are not only found in the adolescent population, but are also found in adults, due to gums receding throughout the aging process. This exposes the roots of teeth to the different types of bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay. To be sure, seniors with poor health are no exception to dental caries and are often the most affected due to low fluoride use and/or poor oral care during adolescence. However, while dental caries and tooth decay are the most prominent topics of oral health, there is also a close connection association between poor dental care and overall health. Poor oral health can cause severe consequences in people with cardiovascular disease (CHD) due to the bacteria and periodontal diseases found in gums that enter the bloodstream and thus, into the heart, causing atherosclerosis. Another outcome of poor dental care is the increased risk of bacteria from gingivitis, called spirochetes, entering the brain through the bloodstream. This can eventually lead to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Periodontal disease and gum inflammation the inflammation of gums can also interfere with blood sugar levels and can cause symptoms to rise in diabetic patients. In addition, the increased risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia, which

The paper mainly focuses on how the oral health quality is affecting elderly individuals. In elderly individuals, the quality of life associated with oral health influences the social and emotional aspects of life. In addition, they also influence the dental health such as masticatory ability. The factors influencing the Oral healthy related quality of life include denture status, denture satisfaction, perceived loose denture, the presence of oral pain, the presence of oral ulcer, perceived halitosis and perceived dry mouth.3