Chapter 18: Nutrition and older adults

Programmed aging

• Hayflick’s theory of limited cell reproduction

• molecular clock theory (telomere length)

Wear-and-tear theories of aging

• Free radical or oxidative stress theory

• Rate-of-living theory

What is polypharmacy?

• Use of multiple medications

• older populations are more sensitive to medication side effects

Why are meals eaten with other people help older populations?

• the meals last longer and supply more calories than meals alone do

Some older adults take multiple medications daily. What is the average number of total pills consumed daily from prescriptions, vitamins and minerals, and OTC products?

A. 8

B. 10

C. 14

D. 17

What are the protein requirements for older population?

• low calorie diet increases need for protein

• beneficial to increase from 10-35% of total calories

How to determine protein adequacy for older adults?

• What is estimated protein needed, are they exercising?

• Are they consuming enough calories so protein isn’t used for energy?

• Are they consuming high quality protein?

• Are there additional needs for protein?

Why is Vitamin D, calciferol a vitamin of concern for older populations?

• Their ability of skin to synthesize vitamin D lowers

• Medications can interfere with absorption

• as people age, they spend less time outside and won’t get as much sunlight

Why is Vitamin B12 a nutrient of concern?

• Most older adults cant use B12 efficiently

• takes years to develop deficiency - neurological symptoms irreversible

What is atrophic gastritis

stomach lining inflammation usually caused by bacteria or an autoimmune disease

Why is calcium a nutrient of concern?

• needed for bone and tooth building

• absorption declines with age

• low levels linked to colon cancer, overweight, and hypertension

What is the UL of calcium?

• less than 2 times RDA; many fortified foods present possibility of adverse affects of excess: kidney damage, calcium deposits, interference of zinc, iron, magnesium

• supplement only when needs

Why is magnesium a nutrient of concern?

• needed for bone and tooth formation, nerve activity

• Older adults intake is below the RDA

• medications and drugs w magnesium may lead to overdose

Sodium guidelines

1200mg daily - difficult to meet

Sodium and potassium

• Balance extra sodium intake with adequate potassium

• potassium intakes are below AI

• potassium regulates sodium levels