nutrition

1. Ch. 14: Nutrition Through the Life
Span: Later Adulthood
 Describe the characteristics of the ideal
diet for older adults as related to the
essential nutrients
 Identify common nutrients deficiencies
in older adults
 Identify the prescription for a healthy
old age

2. Healthy Habits
 Sleeping regularly and adequately
 Eating regular meals, including
breakfast
 Keeping weight under control
 Engaging in regular exercise
 Not smoking
 Not using alcohol, or using it in
moderation

3. Ideal Diet for Older Adults
 Eat foods from all food groups
 Reduce consumption of energy nutrients as
kcalorie needs decline (may be in excess)
 Lean body mass decreases
 Metabolism slows down
 Physical activity may decrease
 Fat needs to be limited to decrease risk of
cancer and atheroschlerosis & to reduce
kcalories
 Eat vitamin and mineral rich foods

4. Deficiencies in Older Adults
 Water: reduction in thirst mechanism, unable
to get water, ignore thirst
 Vitamins and Fruits: many times omitted
from the diet
 Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin D, Iron and
Calcium
 Iron absorption affected by reduced acidity in
stomach and overuse of antacids
 Calcium and Vit. D because of low milk intake,
lack of exposure to sunshine & reduced ability of
skin to activate Vit. D (osteoporosis)

5. Physical Changes that Affect
Nutrition
 Mouth: tooth loss, gum disease, reduced
salivary output
 Digestive Tract: sluggish motility, reduced
acid output, some pain
 Hormones: Less insulin production can cause
abnormal glucose metabolism
 Sensory Organs: Smell and sight
 Body Composition: Lean body mass
 Urinary Tract: Increased frequency may limit
fluid intake

6. Prescription for a Healthy Old Age
 Studies of all cultural groups indicate the
secret to long life is a physically active life
 Prescription includes the following:
 Regular exercise
 Foods from all food groups
 Adequate sleep
 Vitamin/mineral supplements if recommended

7. Test Questions
 1. Which of the following is often
consumed in excess by elderly people?
 A. Kcalories—energy
 B. Protein
 C. Vitamin E
 D. Vitamin D

8.  2. Based on studies of other cultural
groups, the secret to long life is:
 A. A low fat diet
 B. Avoidance of smoking
 C. A physically active life
 D. A restricted food intake

9.  3. All of the following factors in older
people’s lives increase the likelihood of
Vitamin D deficiency EXCEPT:
 A. Antacid use
 B. Limited exposure to sunlight
 C. Limited intake of milk
 D. Reduced ability of the skin to activate
Vitamin D