Transcript Senior Nutrition

UNIT TEN
FCS-FNL-8. STUDENTS WILL EXPLAIN THE NUTRITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS OF THE AGING INDIVIDUAL.
a. Describe the biological aspects of aging and life expectancy in relation
to current demographics in the U.S.
b. Compare nutrient needs of the elderly with middle age adults, being
certain to focus on the nutrients of concerns such as water, vitamin B6,
vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc.
c. Identify medications commonly used by the elderly and the potential of
medications to impact nutritional status.
d. Describe food assistance programs for the elderly.
What do we think of when we hear
the term “ELDERLY”?
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Old
Wrinkles
Can’t hear
Dentures
Medicine
Senile
Can’t drive
Bingo, Bridge, and other
Card Games
Senior Discount
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Canes and wheelchairs
Medicare
Mothballs
Grey hair
Retirement/Nursing Homes
Memory Loss
“When I was your age, I
had to walk 10 miles to
school in the snow…”
Reflect…
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Why do you think we stereotype the elderly this
way?
What can we do to change these stereotypes?
 Which
stereotypes do think will change because of
technology?
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Why is it important to focus on nutrition and
wellness of the elderly?
Did You Ever Stop to Think…
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This age group is rapidly increasing. The “Baby
Boom” generation is now entering (or already
entered) the age 65 and above category.
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Many elderly people live alone and make nutrition
decisions without guidance
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The need for elderly caretakers will increase
Physical and mental handicaps can impede proper
nutrition
New medications are being developed to help the
elderly
Aging
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The process of “getting older” actually starts at age
30
The “Older Adult” category is considered anyone
65 and older
Body Composition
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Sarcopenia
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There is a decrease in lean
muscle mass, especially in the
legs
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Loosing skeletal muscle mass and
strength
Muscle tone will change and
strength will decrease
Sarcopenia can be slowed with
exercise
Sedentary Lifestyles
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Because of fear of falling and muscle weakening,
many older adults chose not to exercise
It is wise for older adults to get about 30 minutes
of exercise a day
 This
can be done without going to a gym
 Strength-
lift food cans
 Balance- Standing in doorways (using frame for support
when shaky), sitting in a chair and lifting feet into the air
 Stretch- Tia Chi, Yoga, stretch bands for the back of doors
How could an elderly person not be
able to physically provide
themselves with proper nutrition?
(refer to previous information)
Loss of Interest in Food
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Dysgeusia (Dis-gish-a)
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Hyposmia (Hi-pos-mia)
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Loss of taste
Loss of smell
Xerostoma (Zero-stoma)
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Dry mouth
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Dentition
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Loss of teeth
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Decrease in salvation
Hard to eat meat, fresh fruits and vegetables
Swallowing
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Changes in textures of foods
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Indigestion can lead to acid reflux…causes changes in throat area
Why would an elderly person not
be interested in eating? (refer to
previous information)
Digestive Issues
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Achlorhydria (A-clor-hydra)
 Decrease
in the digestion of protein
 Affects
the absorption of B-12
 As decreases more antacids are taken
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May also block absorption of Calcium and Iron
Delayed gastric emptying
 May
feel “full” longer
 This will disrupt the eating schedule and may not assure
meals are eaten
Digestive Issues, Cont.
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Digestive functions slowing
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Constipation
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Sometimes caused by a decrease in liquid intake due to loss of thirst
mechanism (not enough water); also poor fiber intake (reverts back to
inability to eat fresh fruits/vegetables)
Colon muscle weakens
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Diverticulosis
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Diverticulitis
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Pouches of the lining of the colon that bulge out
Occurs when the pouches become inflamed
Poor fiber intake in younger years can contribute to the chances of
developing diverticulosis/diverticulitis
Why would digestive issues
interrupt the eating patterns of an
elderly person? (refer to previous
information)
Chronic Diseases in Older Adults
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Heart Failure
 Cardio
Vascular Disease
 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
 Seen
more in African American descent (especially GA
population)
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Kidney Failure
 Beginning
at the age of 40, the kidneys decline every
year
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Diabetes
 Older
adults become less sensitive to insulin production
in their bodies
How would common chronic
diseases interfere with the healthy
diet of an elderly person? (refer to
previous information)
Other Medical Issues With Older
Adults
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Vision loss due to old age AND diabetes
 Age-related
 Loss
Macular Degeneration
of vision in the center of the vision field
 Glaucoma
 Vision
loss due to improper eye pressure
 Cataracts
 The
lens of the eye becomes opaque (cloudy) and if left
untreated it will cause blindness
 Retinopathy
 When
the blood vessels to the retina become damaged
Other Medical Issues With Older
Adults, Cont.
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Memory loss and issues with processing/cognition
may make it difficult for older adults to cook or feel
comfortable in a kitchen
How would medical issues with the
eye or the brain affect the nutrition
of an elderly person? (refer to
previous information)
Important Nutrients for Older
Adults
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Since the body has stopped growing, required
calorie intake is about 30% less than Middle Adult
years
Many older adults have trouble producing vitamin D
 Older
adults stay out of the sun or completely cover up
when in sunlight
 Read
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labels for Vitamin D fortified products
Calcium is important for osteoporosis prevention
Important Nutrients for Older
Adults, Cont.
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Meat products provide many nutrients
Many older adults do not eat meat products because they
are hard to chew and can become lodged in dental work
 Important source of iron (needed for blood)
 Vitamin B12
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Vitamin B6
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Older adult vegans are at serious risk for deficiency, therefore a
supplement may be recommended.
Needed for hemoglobin also helps maintain blood sugar levels
Not as much of a need for protein as before since there is
very little growth (tissue building)
Important Nutrients for Older
Adults, Cont.
 Folate
(Part of the B Vitamin Family)
 Found
naturally in foods such as meat, but especially green
leafy vegetables
 Helps produce and maintain cells; older adults need it to
help produce red blood cells and prevent anemia
 Zinc
A
mineral found in meats
 Aids in immune function and wound healing
Important Nutrients for Older
Adults, Cont.
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Water
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Water consumption is
extremely important for
older adults
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Many lose the thirst mechanism
and do not realize that they
are thirsty
Dehydration sets in
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This is twice as difficult for
the elderly to recover from
Water is needed to
lubricate joints which helps
with arthritis
Important Nutrients for Older
Adults, Cont.
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Antioxidants should be consumed by eating red,
blue and yellow foods (do not rely on supplements)
 Vitamins
A and C for memory
 Lutein for the eyes
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Phytochemicals
 Disease
 Green
preventing chemicals found in plants
tea for memory and inflammation
 Blueberries and plums (also contain antioxidants)
 Grapes (also contain antioxidants)
Medications for Older Adults
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Older adults make up a large part of the total
population of prescription medication consumers
Most older adults do not know how to properly take
their medications causing overdoses or under doses
Proper medication consultations should be provided to
older adults at the pharmacy
Other concerns
Adverse drug reactions
 Drug-drug reactions
 Drug-nutrient reactions
 Labels on meds; can’t read or understand
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Common Prescriptions
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Cardiovascular Drugs
 (Common)
Lipitor
 Decreases
LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides (VLDL), and
reduces fatty deposits…in turn reduces the chance of a
stroke and heart attack
 (Common)
Zocor
 Same
as Lipitor, but it has a slightly different chemical
makeup and it is available in generic forms….saves $
 (Common)
Crestor
 In
addition to lowering LDL, it increases HDL (good
cholesterol) which can actually reverse fat deposits
 Fatty
foods should be avoided while taking this
medication
Common Prescriptions, Cont.
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Blood Thinners
 (Common)
 Blocks
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Coumadin
Vitamin K cycle, decreases the “stickiness” of platelets
Do not take aspirin, Vitamin E, Garlic, Fish Oils, or Ginko because
they will increase the risk of bleeding
Risk of excess bleeding during surgery
Green leafy vegetables contain significant Vitamin K, which will
reverse the effects of blood thinners
Common Prescriptions, Cont.
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Antiarthritics
 Prevent/Help
with arthritis
 Steroids
 Stomach
upset and GI bleeding, “roid rage”, retaining
fluid, and cause a “moon face” (full, swollen face)
 Must taper off steroid use so that the body will start
producing its own normal level of steroids again
Common Prescriptions, Cont.
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Antacids
 Used
to settle stomach/acid reflux
 Made
from calcium carbonate and are a good source of
calcium for people who do not drink milk
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Depression Medication
 Older
versions can cause drowsiness and weight
gain
 Newer versions can have a quicker onset of action
and can decrease weight without causing
drowsiness
Age Dependent Pharmacokinetics
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Absorption
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GI system slowing down
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Doses may need to be changed and adjusted
Distribution
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Drugs may not work properly when not absorbed properly
If a person is overweight, the drugs may stay in the system
longer…also doses may not be strong enough
Liver function and liver disease will affect how drugs are
processed
Grapefruit interferes with MANY drugs! Check with the
pharmacist
Excretion
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Kidney failure/loss of a kidney
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Drugs will stay in system longer
NEW Elderly Medication
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Create a NEW medication for the elderly
 Include
A
hand drawn picture of a medication bottle
 Name of medication
 Company
 Description of medication purpose(s)
 Creative information to influence the elderly to buy your
medication!
Food Assistance Programs for the
Elderly
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Home delivery services
 Meals
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on Wheels
Senior Centers
 Age
and county qualifications
 Nutritious meals at very low cost or donation
 Usually
 They
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do not deny anyone who qualifies
can also socialize and leave the house
Farmer’s Markets
 Usually
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have incentives for seniors
them excited again about purchasing fruits/veggies
You tell me….
Using what knowledge you know about the
elderly and their nutrition, why would
they need food assistance programs?
List SEVERAL well thought reasons
MAGAZINE COVER
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Create a magazine cover for an older adult (elderly) magazine
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YOU create the magazine title and content
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Can be for a male, female or both
Content blips should include:
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Importance of Exercise
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Chronic Diseases
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Common Medications
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Important Nutrients for Older Adults
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Any other information you wish to include that we covered in class
So……Ideas Could Include:
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88 ways to NOT look 88!
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Simple exercises to help prevent Sarcopenia
Hand drawn is a requirement!! You may use only ONE photo or ONE magazine
picture