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Similar to Nutrition issues seniors face as they age
Similar to Nutrition issues seniors face as they age (13)
Nutrition issues seniors face as they age
- 1. The aging process & its affects on seniors and nutritionAnne Suttie
- 2. Abstract The aging process affects the way that seniors are able to intake and access food. As well, as a result of the aging process, nutritional needs of seniors adapt and their diet must reflect this in order for them to be healthy and energized.
- 3. Table of Contents Why am I interested? Background Information So what are the issues? Summary Conclusion
- 4. Why am I interested? One day last semester, I was getting groceries and I happened past an elderly woman with mobility issues picking out her groceries. I ended up bumping into her at several points during my shopping trip and stood back to observe. She was using a cane and was carrying a small basket.
- 5. Why am I interested? The basket wasn’t large enough to carry all that she required and I watched her test out items several times in each food department before realizing that she could not carry their weight. My heart broke as I watched her make her way to the frozen food isle to gather the only items that she could manage to hold in her basket: Michelinas frozen dinners.
- 6. Since that day at the grocery store, I have spent a lot of time contemplating the barriers to good nutrition that are ever-present in the lives of seniors. I hope to assist in finding a solution in the future, but for now…I’ll be satisfied with educating you .
- 7. Background information Seniors are a rapidly growing population in Canada Although most seniors report good health, 4/5 living at home suffer from chronic health conditions Seniors health care accounts for $1 billion each year Seniors tend to have a lower income than adults in other age groups 29% of seniors live alone
- 8. So what are the issues? Nutritional needs (results of the aging process) Mobility Limited income Solitary lifestyle
- 9. nutritional needs – the aging process The aging process may leave seniors with: loss of appetite and energy due to decrease in muscle mass loss of bone density decreased immunity to infection dental and mouth problems loss of taste and smell digestion problems chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes) (Keller, 2003)
- 10. Nutritional needs – more about vitamins & minerals Vitamins and minerals that may be lacking Vitamin D Calcium Vitamin B12 As with all other age groups, it is always important for diets to be rich in a variety of minerals and nutrients which aid in normal functions of the body and help to prevent disease.
- 11. Mobility Issues with mobility can affect access that seniors have to healthy, nutritional food Driver’s Licenses Reliance on friends and family Public transit, handy dart, taxis Meals on wheels and other food delivery options For seniors who have mobility issues but still want to be independent, access to good nutritional options is a huge issue!
- 13. This can affect motivation to cook meals for just themselves
- 15. references Keller, H. (2003). Dieticians of Canada. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from Bringing Nutrition Screening to Seniors in Canada: http://www.dietitians.ca/seniors/pdf/Nutrition_Seniors_Fact_Sheet_ENG.pdf Mason, R. R. (2009). The Doctor Will See You Now. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from The Graying of Society: Nutrition, Vitamins, and Aging: http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/content/aging/art2052.html?getPage=1 Ministry of Public Works and Government Services Canada. (2008). Public Health Agency of Canada. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from Canada's Aging Population: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/various-varies/papier-fed-paper/index-eng.php
Editor's Notes
- This is a picture of my grandmas and myself at my grade 12 graduation. I believe that the positive relationships that I have with these two women has contributed immensely to my overall appreciation of seniors and my passion for their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
- According to Health Canada, ‘seniors constitute the fastest growing population group in Canada’ (Ministry of Public Works and Government Services Canada,2008). The aging of the ‘baby boomer’ population in Canada immensely contributes to this.‘The most common chronic health problems suffered by seniors are arthritis, rheumatism, high blood pressure, allergies, back problems, chronic health problems, cataracts, and diabetes’ (Ministry of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2008).
- The aging process can leave seniors with reduced appetites due to a combination of many of the above symptoms. Although seniors may require a lower caloric intake because they generally have a lower percentage of muscle mass than other demographic age groups, their bodies still require the same amount of vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. In many cases, seniors bodies require even more vitamins and minerals to be taken in through diet as the aging process leaves their bodies unable to obtain vitamins and minerals as efficiently as in their younger years (Mason, R. 2009).
- Vitamin D is absorbed through exposure to sunlight. However, seniors on average spend less time in direct sunlight, especially those who live within the boundaries of an institution. Also, the aging process leaves seniors bodies unable to synthesize Vitamin D as easily. Vitamin D is converted into a hormone by the kidneys and essential to the immune system (Mason, R. 2009). Calcium is another substance that is not well absorbed into the aging body. You’ve probably heard it said your whole life…’calcium makes strong bones’. Calcium can assist in the prevention of osteoporosis – a weakening of the bones (Mason, R. 2009). Vitamin B12 is used by the body to aid in brain functions, the formation of blood, and the nervous system. A large percentage of seniors suffer from a gastric condition that inhibits the body from absorbing vitamin B12 (Mason, R. 2009).
- Drivers licenses can be revoked due to issues such as slow reaction times and vision problems. Because of this, other transportation options may be needed. Often seniors will rely on family, friends, & relatives to assist them inpurchasing food. What happens if this is not an option?The handy dart, taxis, and public transit will only drop seniors off and pick them up – carrying groceries becomes an issue. Meals on wheels and other food delivery options are impersonal and the schedule often is only a couple of days per week. As well, these services do not take into account personal nutritional needs or ethnical tastes.In the case of one of my grandmas, she had her license revoked due to slow reaction times when she turned 82. Because she has mobility issues, she had to turn to family in order to purchase groceries and run other errands. If for some reason my grandma had not been able to find assistance through family members, she would have been in a predicament. Because she has become quite frail recently, it would have required too much energy for her to pick up groceries alone, even with the assistance of public transit or a taxi. She might have had to settle for a far less nutritional diet.
- In conclusion,