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Aging changes impacting nutrition
Dental changes, decreased chemical secretions, atrophy of tissues, slower signaling, structural changes.
Why do older adults have reduced caloric need?
More adipose tissue, less lean body mass, slower metabolism, and lower activity
What decade is caloric reduction recommended?
4th decade of life (30s)
Harris-Benedict equation
used to calculate caloric needs based on age, height, weight, and gender
Recommended % of caloric intake for older adults, and things to INCREASE in intake
<30% of calories from fat; protein: 10-20% of calories
Increase fiber, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, fruits, and vegetables
Nutritional Supplements are meant for...
compensating for inadequate intake or drug effects. common deficiencies are niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins B6, C, D.
Nutritional Supplement Risks
Excessive use can cause calcium deposits, blood clots, arrhythmias, or mask deficiencies
Herbal supplement risks
cardiac effects, GI upset, edema, insomnia, chemical imbalances
Herb-drug interactions could be
increased mineral loss, potentiating drug effects, increased bleeding risk, hypoglycemia, sedation
Special Needs/Risks of Older Women
Heart disease - reduced fat intake helps lower risk.
• Breast cancer - high alcohol intake increases risk.
• Osteoporosis - nearly all women affected by 70 due to estrogen loss, inactivity, obesity, smoking, and excess caffeine/alcohol
Do older adults have more or less body fluid.
LESS - Due to intracellular fluid loss
Minimum fluid intake
Males 16 glasses/day; Females 11 glasses/day
Risk factors for inadequate fluid intake
Reduced thirst, incontinence fears, inaccessibility, immobility, altered cognition, nausea, GI issues
Risks of fluid restriction
infection, constipation, electrolyte imbalance, poor skin, confusion
Periodontal disease
inflammation and degeneration of gums, teeth, and surrounding bone. signs include: bleeding gums, pus, bad breath, loosening teeth
Lemon-glycerin swabs and alcohol based mouthwashes should be...
Avoided ! Use brushes instead.
Indigestion/Food intolerance means
Lower motility, less gastric secretions. Interventions: avoid fried foods, sit upright,fluids
Anorexia of aging
Lack or loss of appetite. May be caused by illness, inactivity, or medications. Weight loss >5% in 1 month or 10% in 6 monthsrequires evaluation
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing; can be transfer (mouth → esophagus), transport (down esophagus), or delivery(esophagus → stomach). Risk increases with age; referral to speech therapy important.
Constipation
Common due to slower peristalsis, inactivity, meds, low fiber/fluids. Prevent with fluids, diet,activity
Malnutrition
Caused by decreased taste/smell, mastication, motility, absorption, hunger contractions, or drug effects.
Signs include: weight loss, low albumin (<3.5), low hemoglobin (<12), low hematocrit (<35%), delayed wound healing, hair loss, pallor, fatigue, delirium, depression.
Assessment & Nursing Interventions for Nutrition
- Assess physical, mental, and socioeconomic factors.- Consider cultural, ethnic, and religious food practices.- Interventions: Meals on Wheels, congregate dining, SNAP, food prep help, feeding assistance, nutrition counseling