nutritional and dietary needs (older adults 65+) Flashcards
(17 cards)
discuss why older adults habe reduced energy needs
older adults energy requirements decrease due to a decrease in the basal metabolic rate, their bodies don’t burn as many calories, their BMR is lower than young people. they also decrease their levels of physical activity so they don’t need as much energy
what factors affect the eating patterns of an older adult
economic factors :
pension size can be influential as less dispensable income
if on a budget meat and protein/ iron rich foods may not be purchased
isolation:
when it comes to shopping elderly may find it difficult to access certain food types
for many they are dependent on the nearest store and food available which may be limited
mobility and poor health:
arthritis - making meal preparation difficult
medication - may reduce appetite
3 fat requirements for older adults
- total fat intake should be monitored to reduce risk of becoming overweight or obese, as EARs (estimated average requirement) decline
- saturated fats should be avoided as they increase cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease
- essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 should be increased as they help protect against cvd
what type of carbohydrates should older adults consume and what should they be rich in
- consuming starchy carbs rather than sugary carbs, which are high in calories but provide a limited range of other nutrients
- it is important that older adults still eat complex carbs rich in fibre to avoid constipation and other bowel related disorders common at this stage
why is protein needed in the diet of an older adults
protein intake should be maintained to help in the repair of body tissues and recovery from illness
function of calcium in older adults diet
an adequate intake of calcium can help to slow age related bone loss, which can result in osteoporosis
give 2 reasons vitamin d is needed in the diet of an older adult
- vitamin d is needed for the absorption of calcium from food and maintaining and repairing bones
- as synthesis of vitamin d by the skin declines with advancing age supplements, as well as diet rich in vitamin d are advised to maximise bone and joint health
why is iron required in an older adults diet, give 2 reasons
- iron absorption may be lower in older adults (can be linked to medication) and iron deficiency anaemia is common at this stage of the lifespan
- women’s need for iron reduces after menstruation stops
why is vitamin c required in an older adults diet, give 3 reasons
- vitamin c rich foods should be included to maximise absorption of iron
- vitamin c is an antioxidant, though to offer protection against cvd and some cancers
- also has an important role in improving immunity and preventing infection and disease
why should sodium intake not exceed 6g per day for older adults
to reduce high blood pressure, stroke and coronary heart disease
what is function of vitamin a for older adults diet
intake should be maintained as vitamin a is an antioxidant, continued protection against cvd and some cancers
give 2 functions of b group vitamins in older adults diet
- require b1 and b12 to release energy from food, which is particularly important if eating smaller portions due to decline in appetite
- folate and vitamin b12 help keep the nervous system healthy and promote production of red blood cells, reducing risk of anaemia
why is fluid intake important in the diet of an older adults
to maintain body temperature and prevent constipation
explain why malnutrition can occur in older adults diet
appetites can decline with advancing age
discuss dehydration of older adults
- may find they do not recognise thirst, which means that dehydration may go unnoticed until symptoms have advanced from mild to severe
- older adults more susceptible to dehydration due to changes associated with aging including factors such as illness, hormones, kidney function, medication and cognitive function
- insufficient fluid intake is also the most common cause of constipation at this life stage
discuss 3 points to consider when planning meals to ensure that older adults continue to enjoy food and achieve a healthy diet
Meals should be nutrient-dense rather than energy-dense. Balancing energy intake and energy use will achieve a healthy weight. Being overweight or underweight can influence the onset of diet-related disease such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
Dietary guidelines from the Eatwell Guide and the ‘8 tips for eating well’ should be considered and older adults should eat a variety of foods from the five food groups.
As appetite declines with advancing age, have a varied diet of smaller meals, supplemented with regular snacks
Explain why the following tips for eating well should be considered by older adults
a. eat lots of fruit and veg
b. ear more fish- including one portion of oily fish per week
c. eat less salt - no more than 6g per day
a eat lots of fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants vitamins C and A.
Vitamin A – Intake should be maintained as the antioxidant function of vitamin A is thought to offer protection against cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C-rich foods should be included to maximise absorption of iron. Vitamin C also has an important role in improving immunity and preventing infection and disease.
b eat more fish- including a portion of oily fish each week
Fish is low in calories and an excellent source of protein which is needed to help in the repair of body tissues and recovery from illness.
Oily fish is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. These help protect against cardiovascular disease.
c eat less salt – no more than 6g a day for adults. This will reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
