Elderly Nutrition - 1532 Words

Introduction Throughout the last decade and into the current century the older population will continue expand in size and diversity. Individual older people differ greatly from one another in their nutrient requirements and need for nutrition services. The aging individual in good health who exercises regularly and takes few medications may have nutrient requirements that are similar to those of younger adults of the same sex, build, and health status. Conversely, the chronically ill elderly adult who is regularly taking a wide variety of drugs is likely to have increased need for particular nutrients as compared to his or her peers who enjoy good health. An active older persons living in the community who is able to obtain and prepare†¦show more content†¦Therefore, fluid balance will be under less precise control. In addition, thirst mechanisms are less sensitive. Thus, an elderly person runs the risk of dehydration; Consequences of dehydration include confusion, dry lips, sunken eyes, increased body temperature, dizziness and low blood pressure (Rudman, 2008). 8. Immune System Immunocompetence decline with age. These changes result in diminish ability to fight infections and malignancies, leading to prevalence of a variety of infections in the elderly. Vitamin E, Zinc and other supplements may increase immune function (Mahan and Escot-stump, 2006). 9. Psychosocial Changes: †¢ Depression: Depression is the most common cause of unexplained weight loss in older adults, its occurs in approximately 15% of adults over age 65 and its higher incidence in those living in extended-care facilities. †¢ Memory Impairment : Memory impairment caused by various types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological diseases rises dramatically, with half of all persons over age 85 affected. Weight loss and improper nutrition are potential problems †¢ Social Isolation: Some of elderly fail to maintain an adequate diet because of social isolation, declining income, Loss of spouse or friends, and leads to many of health problems (Mahan andShow MoreRelatedNutrition And The Home Bound Elderly1394 Words   |  6 PagesNutrition and the Home Bound Elderly The provision of nutrition services is critical to all individuals as it ensures the access to healthy food as well as education on proper nutrition. However, the ill and the elderly have an increased need for nutrition services as this could facilitate disease management, improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Past studies and research have shown that nutritional support of the elderly and the ill could improve the quality of life in terms healthRead MoreNutrition : An Important Aspect For The Health Of Elderly Essay1774 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction; Nutrition is an important aspect for the health and wellbeing of all people especially the elderly because it affects their aging process. Malnutrition is affecting many of the older population. Older people most commonly have reduced appetite and reduced energy expenditure which is added to many other physiological changes that occur at their age group. Malnutrition is a major issue in older people and its rates is increasing as time passes. Many old people are classed as malnourishedRead MoreElderly Nutrition1540 Words   |  7 Pagessize and diversity. Individual older people differ greatly from one another in their nutrient requirements and need for nutrition services. The aging individual in good health who exercises regularly and takes few medications may have nutrient requirements that are similar to those of younger adults of the same sex, build, and health status. Conversely, the chronically ill elderly adult who is regularly taking a wide variety of drugs is likely to have increased need for particular nutrients as comparedRead MoreNutrition in Elderly People3480 Words   |  14 PagesNutrition in Elderly People Nutrition in elderly people is most often compromised as compared to that of the younger generation. This is because the older folks are faced with multiple, recurrent diseases, which affect their immune systems in several ways, one of them being the over usage of medication which suppress the immune system (Alberti KG, 2005). Under-nutrition is exceedingly a common condition among the elderly, and therefore, people are not aware that many of them also suffer from overweightRead MoreDepression With Elderly Women1603 Words   |  7 Pages Depression with Elderly women Aremelder Johnson Steiner Leigh HDC 542 University of Illinois in Springfield, Illinois What do we still need to know about your vulnerable population and what programs address their needs? What programs and policies are needed? Social and demographic trends are making information and assistance services increasingly important to the average American family. Americans live longer and require more help to cope with chronic conditionsRead MoreThe Dangers Of Elderly At Risk And Solutions759 Words   |  4 PagesThis post is about the elderly and the risks that make them be a vulnerable group in our society. I will discuss the causes that put elderly at risk and solutions to avoid some of those risks. Our nation is experiencing an increased growth in the older adult population, this brings the concern for their well-being since they are usually at risk for injuries and poor health in general. The elderly often have decreased and impaired mobility, visual or hearing deficit, numerous chronic health conditionsRead MoreThe Age Of Elderly People1621 Words   |  7 PagesResearch shows that in developed nations the average number of elderly people is increasing or is bound to increase over the next decades. This is because the condition of living, the lifestyle in these nations supports the elderly to the point where their lives become sustainable even as they grow old. Nations like Sweden and Germany are already experiencing this. Currently, the number of young people in the world tops the list of the age groups with the most population. The world is also on theRead MoreElderly Population In America. Growth And Development Is1706 Words   |  7 PagesElderly Population in America Growth and development is an essential part of the life cycle, which leads to the occurrence of different phases like childhood, teenage and late adulthood. Aging is the period which is characterized by the onset of personal, cognitive and social changes. They feel hard to adjust the changes. Like rest of the world, the US also falls in the list of countries which have the highest population of elderly people. According to the Population Reference Bureau report, AmericansRead MoreHunger Is A Physiological State1315 Words   |  6 Pagesdiscomfort an individual experience, food insecurity is a social, cultural or economic states and as such, is simpler to conceptualize and measure† food insecurity is a much bigger problem, and exceeds the standard definition of â€Å"hunger.† Even when the elderly has food, the quality of the food does not meet their nutritional needs and to say that these people are â€Å"hungry† is maybe implying that there is a much greater de gree of need. Why are Seniors Food Insecure? â€Å"The face of senior hunger is not necessarilyRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Skin Tears1079 Words   |  5 Pageson the extremities of the elderly. Not to mention the amount of deaths that occur when skin breakdown doesn’t get treated. The article, â€Å"Preventing in –facility Pressure Ulcers, â€Å" states that, â€Å"60,000 U.S. patients will die from complications related to hospital-acquired Pus†. (Preventing, 2013). When you think about all the different diseases and illness that can kill someone, pressure ulcer don’t normally come to mind. If we have less skin breakdown with the elderly, we can keep our facilities