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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. Healthy Habits.
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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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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