Definitions Related to Elderly Nutrition

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Types of Elderly

Active Elderly – Indistinguishable from their middle-aged counterparts. They need to be doing things which make a difference in their community and world. A well-managed chronic illness may be part of their life. They most commonly are doing 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily.
Transitional Elderly – They have at least one ADL (Activity of Daily Living) limit and may have 2 or more chronic illnesses. They may need help, but are reluctant to get it. They often begin to isolate themselves and may “get lost” in the system. They should be doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
Frail Elderly – They need assistance with two or more ADL’s. Are not able to do physical activity. They are often very isolated persons and lonely. They are often dealing with multiple chronic illnesses

Nutrition Notes

If there is an illness with dietary restrictions, those restrictions must be considered first
Fewer calories are needed as we grow older
Protein needs actually increase with age
There is an increased need for calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Restriction of dietary fat can result in unwanted weight loss or “wasting-away”
Good nutrition is good “health insurance”. Well-nourished people have fewer illnesses
Protein – growth and repair of cells. Provide structural support for the body. (Meat, poultry, fish, dairy, soy nuts and beans)
Vitamin A – for healthy skin and eyes. (Milk, cheese, butter, liver, green leafy vegetables, eggs and dark orange fruit and vegetables)
Vitamins B-12 and B-6 – cognitive development, memory retention and cell formation. (Brewer’s yeast, meat, eggs, poultry, milk and cheese. B-6 is also found in fortified breads, cereals, legumes and green leafy vegetables)
Vitamin C – resistance to infection. (Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, dark leafy vegetables, potatoes and melons.)
Vitamin D – for strong bones. (Sunshine on our skin, dairy products, eggs, liver and fortified cereals.)
Vitamin E – (leafy green vegetables, whole grains and egg yolks)
Water – important to many body functions. Dehydration is a common cause of lack of appetite. Adults should drink 6 – 8 glasses of liquids a day.
Iron – production of red blood cells. (Red meat, egg yolks, enriched cereals and breads, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits)
Folate – production of healthy red blood cells. (Liver leafy green vegetables, beans and nuts.)
Potassium – maintain proper fluid balances. (Bananas, milk, meat and vegetables)

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Barriers to good nutrition

Single—Social isolation. 85 percent of widowed persons report a weight change during the two years following the death of a spouse. Women report cooking is chore now that there is no one to enjoy their cooking. Many men don’t know how to cook or prepare meals.
Special Diet—Because of chronic medical problems, many require special diets. Special diets require extra effort and special knowledge.
Physical Problems—Chewing difficulties and gastrointestinal disturbances cause older people to restrict foods important to their health. Adverse reactions to medications can cause problems with certain foods. Other problems such as arthritis, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease can interfere with good nutrition.
Money—Lack of money causes people to scrimp on important foods. Financial issues may cause delays in getting medical or dental attention.
For more detailed information go to Growing Older, Eating Better

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Why Be Concerned About Nutrition?

Nutrition remains important throughout life. Good nutrition in the later years still can help lessen the effects of diseases prevalent among older Americans or improve the quality of life in people who have such diseases: osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic under nutrition. Good nutrition in later years helps both in reducing the risk of these diseases and in managing the diseases signs and symptoms. It contributes to a higher quality of life. For more detailed information go to Growing Older, Eating Better