Nutrition in older age. Adequate nutrition, especially in older age, aids in the maintenance of health and in decreasing the onset of chronic diseases, contributes to vitality in everyday activity, to energy and mood and helps in maintaining functional independence.

1. Nutrition during old age
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2. Adequate nutrition, especially
in older age, aids in the
maintenance of health and in
decreasing the onset of
chronic diseases, contributes
to vitality in everyday activity,
to energy and mood and helps
in maintaining functional
independence.
Older people – 65 and up – are
more vulnerable to nutritional
deficiencies and nutritional
problems are more common
among them.
INTRODUCTION
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3. Healthy food choices positively influence the quality of life of older adults.
Older adults are at risk for inadequate dietary intakes which may lead to:
–Poor nutritional status
–Decreased quality of life
–Functional disability
–Increased health care costs
–Greater risk for morbidity and mortality
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4. ● The incidence and impact of malnutrition in elderly people is underestimated
● Routine screening for malnutrition should be implemented for people in at risk
groups
● “Food First” – eating small but frequent, high energy, high protein snacks and meals
– is the first treatment option for elderly people who are malnourished
● Use of oral nutritional supplements (ready-made sip feeds or powders which are
mixed with water or milk) is generally not recommended until a Food First approach
has been trialled
● Nutrition support is recommended for malnourished people who are unable to
maintain body weight by food intake alone
● Oral nutritional supplements are a top-up to food intake rather than a replacement –
they should be given between meals, not at meal times
KEY CONCEPTS
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5. Malnutrition is the condition that
develops when the body does not get
the right amount of vitamins, minerals,
and other nutrients (e.g. energy,
protein) it needs to maintain health,
promote cell and tissue growth and
normal organ function. Malnutrition
may result from consuming too little
food, a shortage of key nutrients, or
altered absorption or metabolism. Older
adults are at particular risk of
malnutrition.
WHAT IS MALNUTRITION?
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7. Malnutrition: A Rising Issue
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that
by 2015, malnutrition will affect 1 in 6 of the global
population.2 In Europe alone the issue of malnutrition
impacts more than 30 million citizens.
Malnutrition can be found in all healthcare settings.
Hospitalised patients are at particular risk as 86% of
them have been identified as malnourished or at risk
of malnutrition
In the older adult population:
- 50% eat less than the RDA for protein
6 - 90% are Vitamin D deficient
7 - 30% are Vitamin B12 deficient
8 - 30% have inadequate Zinc and Selenium intake 9
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8. Important Nutrients to Know:
Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Fats
Proteins:
Proteins are often called the body’s building blocks.
They are used to build and repair tissues. They help
you fight infection. Your body uses extra protein for
energy. Good sources of protein are seafood, lean
meat and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy
products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Protein is
also found in dairy products. Protein from plant
sources tends to be lower in fat and cholesterol and
provides fiber and other health-promoting nutrients.
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9. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy.
There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and
complex.
● Simple carbohydrates are found in fruits,
vegetables, and milk products, as well as in
sweeteners like sugar, honey, and syrup and foods
like candy, soft drinks, and frosting or icing.
● Complex carbohydrates are found in breads,
cereals, pasta, rice, beans and peas, and starchy
vegetables such as potatoes, green peas, and
corn.
Many carbohydrates also supply fiber. Fiber is a type of
complex carbohydrate found in foods that come from
plants—fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and
whole grains. Eating food with fiber can prevent
stomach or intestinal problems, such as constipation
CARBOHYDRATES
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10. VITAMINS
Vitamins help your body grow and work the
way it should. There are 13 vitamins—
vitamins C, A, D, E, K, and the B vitamins
(thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid,
biotin, B6, B12, and folate).
Vitamins have different jobs--helping you
resist infections, keeping your nerves
healthy, and helping your body get energy
from food or your blood to clot properly
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11. Minerals also help your body function. Some
minerals, like iodine and fluoride, are only
needed in very small quantities. Others, such
as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are
needed in larger amounts. As with vitamins, if
you eat a varied diet, you will probably get
enough of most minerals.
MINERALS
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12. Fats also give you energy and help you feel
satisfied after eating. Oils, shortening, butter,
and margarine are types of fats, and
mayonnaise, salad dressings, table cream,
and sour cream are high in fat. Foods from
animal sources and certain foods like seeds,
nuts, avocado, and coconut also contain fat.
There are different categories of fats—some
are healthier than others:
● Monounsaturated.
● Polyunsaturated.
● Saturated.
● Trans fats (trans fatty acids).
FATS
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13. Choosing Healthy Meals As You
Get Older
Making healthy food choices is a smart thing to do—no matter how old you are! Your body
changes through your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond
1. Drink plenty of liquids
With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water
often. Low-fat or fat-free milk or 100% juice also helps you stay
hydrated. Limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt.
Learn which liquids are better choices.
2. Make eating a social event
Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. Invite a friend
to join you or take part in a potluck at least twice a week. A senior
center or place of worship may offer meals that are shared with
others
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14. 3. Plan healthy meals
Find trusted nutrition information from
ChooseMyPlate.gov and the National Institute
on Aging. Get advice on what to eat, how much
to eat, and which foods to choose, all based on
the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
4. Know how much to eat
Learn to recognize how much to eat so you can
control portion size. When eating out, pack part
of your meal to eat later. One restaurant dish
might be enough for two meals or more.
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15. 10. Ask your doctor about vitamins
or supplements
Food is the best way to get nutrients you need. Should
you take vitamins or other pills or powders with herbs and
minerals? These are called dietary supplements. Your
doctor will know if you need them. More may not be
better. Some can interfere with your medicines or affect
your medical conditions
6. Eat for your teeth and gums
Many people find that their teeth and gums change as
they age. People with dental problems sometimes find it
hard to chew fruits, vegetables, or meats. Don’t miss out
on needed nutrients! Eating softer foods can help. Try
cooked or canned foods like unsweetened fruit, low-
sodium soups, or canned tuna
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16. USDA Food Patterns
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food
Patterns suggest that people over 50 keep an eye on
calories while choosing a variety of healthy foods from
five major food groups and limitingg solid fats and
added sugars.
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17. Serving and Portion Sizes: How
Much Should I Eat?
The Dietary Guidelines suggests that people 50 or older choose foods every day from the
following:
● Fruits—1½ to 2½ cups
● Vegetables—2 to 3½ cups
● Grains—5 to 10 ounces
● Protein foods—5 to 7 ounces
● Dairy foods—3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk
● Oils—5 to 8 teaspoons
● Solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS) and sodium (salt)—keep the amount of SoFAS
and sodium small
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18. Energy In =
Energy Out
Maintaining Weight
Your weight will stay the same when the calories you eat and
drink equal the calories you burn.
Energy In <
Energy Out
Losing Weight
You will lose weight when the calories you eat and drink are less
than the calories you burn.
Energy In >
Energy Out
Gaining Weight
You will gain weight when the calories you eat and drink are
greater than the calories you burn.
Balancing Calories
Balancing the calories you eat and drink with the calories burned by being
physically active helps to maintain a healthy weight
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19. Factors That Affect an Older
Adult's Nutrition
Decreased Taste
Older adults have fewer taste buds than
younger people, according to Medlineplus, a
service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
and the National Institutes of Health
Loss of Appetite
Many people have less appetite and eat less as
they age, making it difficult to get all the
nutrients they need for good health, according
to Alberta Caregiver College. Additionally, the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that
5 to 10 percent of adults over age 45 have iron-
deficiency anemia due to difficulty chewing and
loss of appetite for meat.www.poonyah.co.in

20. Financial Issues and Lack of Mobility
Seniors living on fixed incomes may not be
able to afford the amount of nutritious food
needed to maintain good health. Food
banks and the U.S. food stamp program,
known as the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program, can help by providing
low-income people access to free food
Heart Disease Risk
A heart-healthy diet is recommended for
people of all ages, but it is especially
important after midlife, when the risk of heart
disease is highest. A diet that protects against
heart disease limits saturated fat and salt,
while incorporating walnuts, almonds,
avocados, olive or canola oil and potassium-
rich foods, such as bananas and low-fat milk.
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21. Depression and Isolation
Older adults are prone to depression, which
can be a risk factor for poor nutrition. Older
adults who live alone may also be vulnerable
to social isolation, particularly if many of
their life-long friends have died. Eating
alone also can affect nutrition by leading to
depression and a poor appetite. Many senior
centers and elder day-care programs
provide shared meals, making dining a
pleasant social experience that can
positively affect the nutrition of an older
adult.
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22. THANKS !
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