Ch 17 - Adulthood and Later Year Flashcards
(15 cards)
Nutrition and Longevity
-Overall, the US population is
growing older
-Life expectancy in the US is 79
yrs
-81 yrs for white women
-78 yrs for black women
-77 yrs for white men
-73 years for black men
-Advances in medicine and food
supply have lengthened life
expectancy
-Now, the increased food supply
is jeopardizing life expectancy
Maintaining Health
-Goals of healthy adults
-Promote health
-Slow aging
-Physiological age: a person’s
age as estimated from her or his
body’s health and probable life
expectancy
-Chronological age: a person’s
age in yrs from his or her date
of birth
-Quality of Life: a person’s
perceived physical and mental
well-being
Healthy Habits
-Following a healthy, balanced
diet
-Engaging in physical activity
daily
-Not smoking
-Using alcohol in moderation
-Maintaining a healthy body
weight
-Sleeping regularly and
adequately
-Having a sense of purpose
-Relieving stress
-Belonging to a community of
loving family and friends
Physiological Changes
-Body weight
-Adults older than 65 have the
lowest mortality rates with
BMI ranges between 23.5 and
27.5
-Body composition
-Immunity and inflammation
-GI tract
-Tooth loss
-Sensory losses
Time for Dental Care When:
-Dry mouth
-Eating difficulty
-No dental care within 2 yrs
-Tooth or mouth pain
-Altered food selections
-Lesions, sores, or lumps in the
mouth
Other Changes
-Psychological changes
-Economic changes
-Social changes
Energy and Nutrient Needs of Older Adults
-Energy needs vary
-Exercise, fitness, health needs
-Water - rapid dehydration due
to less total body water
-Increased risk of UTI,
pneumonia, pressure ulcers,
confusion, disorientation.
-Energy needs decline an
estimated 5% per decade
-Adequate protein, carbs and
fiber, and healthy fats.
-Vitamins and Minerals
-Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Folte,
Calcium, Iron, Zinc
-Multi-vitamin
Nutrition-Related Concerns of Older Adults
Vision
-Cataracts - clouding of the eye
lenses that impairs vision
-A diet rich in fruits and
vegetables may slow
progression
-Macular degeneration -
deterioration of the macular
area of the eye causing loss of
central vision and eventual
blindness
-A diet rich in omega-3 fatty
acids, antioxidants (vit C&E),
zinc, and carotenoids has
been shown to prevent
Nutrition-Related Concerns of Older Adults
Arthritis
-Osteoarthritis - improved by
managing weight
-Rheumatoid arthritis -
improved by decreasing
inflammation
Gout
-Decrease alcohol, processed
meat, fast food, seafood, and
sugar-sweetened beverages
The Aging Brain
Obesity - may accelerate brain
shrinkage
Nutrient Deficiencies
Alzheimer’s Disease
-A degenerative disease of the
brain involving memory loss
and major structural changes
in neuron networks
-Increasing research suggests
inflammation, cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes,
hypertension, and obesity
increase risk
Alcohol Consumption in Adults
-Increased risk of falls - alcohol
contributes to 60% of falls in
the US
-Health consequences with
excessive use
-Nutrient deficiencies
Malnutrition
-Risks increase with age, chronic
illness, medications,
depression, and social isolation
-Limits a person’s ability to
function and diminishes quality
of life by:
-Impairing muscle function
-Failing to support bone
density
-Limiting immune defenses
-Reducing cognitive abilities
-Delaying wound healing
-Slowing recovery from falls,
illness, and surgery
-Increasing hospitalizations
Food Assistance Programs
Congregate meals
Meals on Wheels
SNAP
Meals for Singles
Foodborne illnesses
Spend wisely
Be creative
Strategies for Healthy Aging
-Choose nutrient dense foods
-Be physically active
-Maintain appropriate weight
-Reduce stress, and depression
-Stop smoking
-Use alcohol moderately
-Prevent accidents
-Care for teeth, eyes, and ears
-Take prescribed meds
-Drink water
-Practice mental skills
-Make financial plans early
-Accept change
-Spiritual growth
-Go outside
-Be socially active
-Stay interested in life
-Enjoy life
