Nutritional needs for special groups

2. INTRODUCTION
Nutritional needs change throughout life. For
the elderly, these changes may be related to
normal aging process, medical conditions,
chronic health conditions ,changes
associated with aging process or life style.

3.  Adequate nutrition and a well balanced diet
is of vital importance even during old age so
as prevent and control the common
problems of ageing.
 Many factors like poor income, decreased
mobility, social isolation ,person general
health condition are known to affect the
health and well being of the older pepole.

4.  under nutrition, obesity, diabetes
,cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis
have been identified as the most important
and commonly prevalent nutrition related to
health problems among them.

5.  Old people age, multiple changes occur that
affect the nutritional status of an individual.

6. Many changes occur throughout the digestive
system. A decrease in saliva production-
xerostomia - and changes in dentition or loss
of teeth alter the ability of chew and may
lead to changes in food choices.

7. There is decrease in gastric acid secretion that
can limit the absorption of iron and vitamin
B12. Peristalsis is slower and constipation
may be an major issue because fluid intake
is decreased.
Sensory changes affect the appetite in several
ways. Vision loss makes shopping, preparing
food ,and even eating more difficult.

8.  Diminished taste and smell take away the
appeal of many foods and may lead to
preparing or consuming food that is no
longer safe.

9.  Many other factors that are not necessarily
part of the normal ageing process, but are
often related to ageing, create changes in
appetite ,what foods are chosen for meals,
and the overall nutrition of the individual.
 Sedentary lifestyle, social isolation
,loneliness, or depression can leading to
inadequate food or malnourishment.

10.  Others including Medications or drugs can
also affect person appetite and absorbed.

12.  Loss of teeth
 Decreased neuromuscular co-ordination
 Impaired hearing and vision
 Diminished sense of taste and smell
 Anorexia
 Physical discomfort
 Changes in GIT
 Changes in cardiovascular system
 Changes in renal and skeletal system and
 Hormonal changes

13.  Economic aspects
 Loneliness
 Depression and anxity

14.  A comprehensive assessment of nutritional
status include .
1. Anthropometric measures include height,
weight, body mass index or BMI, body fat
measurement, and muscle mass
measurement.

15.  Albumin
 Retinal-binding prealbumin
 CBC
 Serum folate
 vitamin B12 and cholesterol.

16.  A diet history including 24 –hour recall or a
food record for 3 days leading up to the
exam can be complted.