Chapter 12 - Nutrition for Adults: The Early, Middle, and Later Years

Benefits of Physical Activity

• Weight management

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer

• Strengthen bones and muscles

• Improve mental health and mood

• Improve one’s ability to perform daily activities of living and prevent falls, especially among older adults

• Increase the chance of living longer

• Manage existing chronic conditions and disabilities

Sarcopenia: Sarcopenia: age-related loss of lean muscle mass and strength associated with aging

• Begins as the body gradually loses functioning cells and lean muscle mass.

• Reduced muscle mass contributes to a decline in metabolic rate.

• The rate of decline accelerates during later years.

• Sarcopenia can contribute to obesity-related complications, morbidity, and disability.

- Life expectancy:

- Life expectancy: The number of years a person of a given age may expect to live. It is affected by environment, health conditions, medical care, lifestyle, and social and economic factors.

Quality of life:

• Refers to a person's sense of physical and mental health and their ability to function within their environment.

• Living longer does not necessarily mean living healthier. Maintaining physical and mental health is important throughout adulthood.

three stages of psychosocial growth/development

The exact age at which someone enters each stage varies.

1. Young adults

• Become increasingly independent.

• Form new relationships and adopt new roles.

• Make decisions about:

  • Education and careers.

  • Jobs and commitments.

  • Relationships and family.

• Often experience considerable stress but also significant personal growth.

• Focus on establishing independence, success, and a sense of purpose.

• Establishing healthy habits, including regular exercise and balanced meals, helps build a foundation for long-term health.

2. Middle adults

• Often experience opportunities for personal growth.

• May have raised children who are now becoming independent.

• May begin refocusing on their own interests, goals, and activities.

• Begin coming to terms with what life has offered.

• Early evidence of chronic disease may appear.

• Health promotion, wellness, and reducing disease risks remain important priorities.

3. Older adults

• Experiences vary depending on personal resources, physical health, and life experiences.

• Some experience a sense of wholeness, completeness, and wisdom.

• Others may withdraw from life, especially when they lack support or resources.

• Nutrition status is closely associated with quality of life and overall health.

Age subdivisions of older adults:

Group	Age
Young-old	65–74 years
Older adults	75–84 years
Oldest adults	85 years and older

depression

• NOT a normal part of aging

• associated with poor overall health, economic burdens, increased morbidity, and mortality

• leading cause of unintentional weight loss later in life

• Continued employment may provide protective benefits through improved socioeconomic status, physical activity, social networks, and cognitive function.

What helps prevent or slow sarcopenia?

• Adequate dietary protein intake.

• Regular physical activity.

• Muscle-strengthening exercises.

Adults should participate in 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity OR 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity.

• Muscle-strengthening activities should be performed at least 2 days per week.

Menopause

Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause

• Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55.

• Menopause is the end of menstrual activity and reproductive capability.

• It involves a significant decline in ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone.

Increased body fat.

• Decreased lean muscle tissue.

• Increased risk of heart disease.

• Increased risk of osteoporosis.

Important diabetes connection:

• Aging can decrease insulin sensitivity.

• Regular exercise increases glucose uptake by skeletal muscles, even independently of insulin.

• Muscle contractions stimulate glucose transporters, moving glucose from the blood into tissues.

• Physical activity, weight management, and balanced meals can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Polypharmacy:

The use of multiple medications by the same person.

• Older adults frequently take several prescription medications in addition to over-the-counter medications and supplements.

• 89% of adults 65 and older take at least one prescription medication.

• 42% take five or more prescription medications regularly.