Transcript Nutrition and Older Adults Factors Which Affect Food Intake

Nutrition and Older Adults
Factors Which Affect Food Intake
Presented by
Janice Hermann, PhD, RD/LD
OCES Adult and Older Adult Nutrition Specialist
Factors Which Affect Food Intake
Factors Which Affect Food Intake
 Good nutrition can help keep the body healthy
 However, many factors
can decreased ability or
desire to shop, cook or eat:
 Physical
 Social
 Emotional
 Medications
 Money
Physical Factors
•Muscle mass
•Bone mass
•Joint problems
•Vision
•Taste and smell
•Saliva
•Tooth and mouth
•Digestion
•Intestinal motility
Social Factors
 Loneliness is a problem for many older adults
 Loneliness does not only relate to living alone
 Loneliness can lead to
lower interest in shopping,
cooking and eating
 Loneliness can lead to
poor eating habits
Emotional Factors
 Although not inevitable, depression is a
common problem for many older adults
 Depression can lead to lower interest in
shopping, cooking and eating
 Depression can lead to poor eating habits
Medication Factors
 Medicines can lower appetite in several ways
Money Factors
 Many older adults have limited funds which
can affect shopping, cooking and eating
Summary
 Many factors can decreased ability or desire to
shop, cook or eat
 Physical
 Social
 Emotional
 Medications
 Money
 Working to overcome these
issues can enhance food intake