Important risk nutrients include protein; omega-3 fatty acids; dietary fiber; vitamins B6, B12, and E; calcium; magnesium; and potassium. Many older adults are not getting enough of these nutrients.
People eat less and make different food choices as they get older. It is unclear what impact these dietary changes may have on health status. However, lower food intake among the elderly has been associated with lower intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin E.
The incidence of osteoporosis is more common in women after menopause. Many of the elderly are obese. They fail to make adjustments in their energy intake corresponding to decreased energy needs. Anaemia characterized by feeling of fatigue, anxiety, lack of energy is common.
Focus on the nutrients you need, including potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12. With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often. Low- or fat-free milk, including lactose-free options or fortified soy beverage and 100% juice can also help you stay hydrated.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Seniors
Approximately 90% of adults between the ages of 51 and 70 do not get enough vitamin D from their diet.
Saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars are nutrients listed on the label that may be associated with adverse health effects – and Americans generally consume too much of them, according to the recommended limits for these nutrients. They are identified as nutrients to get less of.
Obesity. The most common nutritional disorder in older persons is obesity. Obesity has been defined variably by different organizations.
There are two types of nutritional disorders like overnutrition and under-nutrition. Ans. PEM is Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). It may affect large sections of the population during drought, famine, etc.
When vitamin D is deficient, there is an increase in the activity of these ageing processes that not only accelerates the rate of ageing, but it also creates the conditions that initiate the onset of the age‐related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Smoking, excess sun exposure, vitamin or mineral deficiencies can all contribute to premature aging. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, iodine, and selenium, and vitamins A, C, D and E all play an important role in our lives as the years go by.
Eat a wide variety of foods from the five food groups : plenty of colourful vegetables, legumes/beans; fruit; grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high fibre varieties; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds; milk, yoghurt, cheese or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat.
Blood tests can indicate if you're deficient in a number of key nutrients. By assessing your food intake, a registered dietitian can also spot nutritional deficiencies. “The important thing is to alert your doctor quickly if your appetite changes or you begin skipping meals,” Wellman says.
Diet-related NCDs include overweight/obesity, cardiovascular diseases (such as arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke), diabetes mellitus, certain cancers, and osteoporosis [4]. An unhealthy diet also significantly contributes to the development of a cluster of disorders known as metabolic syndrome [5].
Older adults are more likely to have chronic conditions that put them at risk for malnutrition. Cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions can impact appetite, make eating difficult, change metabolism, and require dietary restrictions.
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency, with young children and premenopausal women at the highest risk of iron deficiency [21, 22].
Water is sometimes referred to as the forgotten nutrient. It is considered one of the most important nutrients ingested and although it is inexpensive to provide, it is often the most neglected nutrient.
Very low dietary intake of a vitamin or nutritionally essential mineral can result in deficiency disease, termed micronutrient deficiency. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron, vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and folate, are prevalent in the developing world, affecting an estimated 2 billion people worldwide.
Seniors need to include the following in their diets: Calcium and Vitamin D: Adults over the age of 70 need more calcium and vitamin D because they help maintain bone health. Choose calcium-rich foods and beverages and aim to eat three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products every day.
Special Considerations for Older Adults
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy improves diet quality — as does cutting down on added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Support from health professionals, friends, and family can help older adults meet food group and nutrient recommendations.
Older adults may have reached the point of their life when they need to get adequate medical care to ensure they are healthy. To achieve this, they may need assistance to get a physical exam, eye checkup, foot care, physical therapy, and nursing care. Older adults need proper nutrition to stay active and healthy.