Page 37 - NEA NEWHERE FLIPBOOK

SPECIAL DIETS
OLDER ADULTS
Aging is linked to a a a variety of changes in in in in in in the body including muscle loss thinner skin and less stomach stomach acid acid Low stomach stomach acid acid can affect the absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B12 calcium iron and magnesium leading to nutrient deficiencies
Another challenge of aging is is a a a a a a reduced need for for calories Unfortunately this creates a a a a a nutritional dilemma Older adults need to get just as much if not more of some nutrients all while eating fewer calories Another issue people may experience as they age is is a a a a reduction in their body’s ability to recognise vital senses like hunger and and thirst This could make you prone to dehydration and and unintentional weight loss EFFECTS OF AGING ON ON NUTRITION
CHANGE
EFFECT SENSORY IMPAIRMENT
Decreased sense of taste
Reduced appetite
Decreased sense of smell
Reduced appetite
Loss of vision and hearing
Decreased ability to purchase and prepare food
Oral health health / dental health health problems
Difficulty chewing inflammation poor quality diet
Altered energy need Diet lacking in in essential nutrients Decreased physical activity Progressive depletion of lean body mass and appetite
Muscle loss Decreased functional ability help needed with everyday activities
Psychosocial
Decreased appetite
Environmental
Limited access to food
poor quality diet
OVERTIME THIS WILL LEAD TO PROGRESSIVE UNDER NUTRITION
As we age our bodies begin to reabsorb calcium from our bones causing them to become weaker Overtime this can lead to osteoporosis in both men men and women For women the risk of osteoporosis is is is greater due to the menopause The drop in oestrogen leads to more bone resorption than formation resulting in in osteoporosis The ability to synthesise vitamin D by the the skin decreases with age which is another contributing factor to to calcium deficiency as we need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Explain the the connection between the the following:
• • • • Older Adults • • • • Calcium • • • • Vitamin D • • • • Osteoporosis
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