Chapter 12: Nutrition through the Life Span: Later Adulthood

nutrients that reduce the risk of progression of macular degeneration

Vitamin C and E limit research suggests that folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

low-income older adults with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at community-supported farmers' markets and roadside stands; USDA; local

one other diet-related factor may play a role in cataract development

obesity, association not understood

benefits of exercise

-aerobic activities improve cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and blood lipid concentrations -moderate endurance activities improve quality of sleep -resistance training significantly improves posture and mobility in the later years; closely associated with longevity -increases blood flow to brain, thereby preserving mental ability, alleviating depression, and supporting independence

healthy habits for low psychological age

-following a healthy, plant-based eating pattern such as the Mediterranean diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry, fish, and low-fat mild products) -maintaining a healthy body weight -engaging in regular physical activity daily -not smoking -not using alcohol, or using it in moderation -sleeping regularly and adequately -having a sense of purpose -relieving stress (through meditation, prayer, naps, or other calming activities) -belonging to a community of loving family and friends (home, church, or other social network)

"If it's good for your heart...

...then it's good for your brain."

protein intake for older adults

1 to 1.2 g/kg body weight (slightly higher than recommendation for young people) *fewer overall calories though

BMR decline

1-2% per decade

dementia affects...

15% of adults older than 70 years of age in the US

OAA Nutrition Program

Older American Act provides food and transportation to congregate meals or even help with shopping

rheumatoid arthritis relief

a Mediterranean-type diet of fish, vegetables, and olive oil

atrophic gastritis

a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the stomach accompanied by a diminished size and functioning of the mucosa and glands an estimated 10-30 percent of adults older than age 50 have it

rheumatoid arthritis

a disease of the immune system involving painful inflammation of the joints and related structures the immune system mistakenly attacks the bone coverings as if they were made of foreign tissue

osteoarthritis

a painful, chronic disease of the joints that occurs when the cushioning cartilage in a joint breaks down; joint structure is usually altered, with loss of function; also called degenerative arthritis most common type of arthritis

physiological age

a person's age as estimated from her or his body's health and probable life expectancy

chronological age

a person's age in years from his or her date of birth

quality of life

a person's perceived physical and mental well-being

Alzheimer's disease

a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and impairs thinking, behavior, and memory afflicts more than five million people in the US

sarcopenia

age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle function more than 50 percent among those older than 75 years of age) lose ability to move and keep their balance, making falls likely

free-radical damage and delay or prevention of Alzheimer's by...

antioxidant nutrients

energy needs decline with advancing age

as a general rule, adult energy needs decline as estimated 5% per decade

overweight and obesity in middle age

associated with dementia in general and Alzheimer's in particular

physiological changes of the brain

blood supply decreases number of neurons, brain cells that specialize in transmitting information, diminishes as people age diminishing of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex affect hearing and speech in the hindbrain: balance and posture are affected

Variety in food intake, as well as ample intakes of certain fruits and vegetables, may be protective against certain types of ______.

cancer

recommendations to Alzheimer's weight management

caregiver supervises food planning and mealtimes provide well-liked and well-balanced meals and snacks in a cheerful atmosphere to encourage food consumption minimize confusion by offering a few ready-to-eat foods, in bite-size pieces, with seasonings and sauces avoid mealtime disruptions by controlling distractions such as music, television, children, and the telephone

cataracts

clouding of the eye lenses that impairs vision and can lead to blindness

senile plaques

clumps of the protein fragment beta-amyloid on the nerve cells, commonly found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease occurs in response to oxidative pressure a consequence of both excessive production and impaired clearance

senile cataracts

common name as they come with aging

zinc in older adults

commonly low in older people can depress the appetite and blunt the sense of taste may increase likelihood of infectious diseases such as pneumonia many medications older people commonly use can impair zinc absorption or enhance it's secretion and thus lead to deficiency

Appropriate fiber intakes may help prevent disorders of the digestive tract such as ____________, ______________, and possibly _____ ______.

constipation, diverticulosis, colon cancer

with age, fiber takes on extra importance for it's role in alleviating:

constipation: a common complaint among older adults and among residents of health care communities in particular

Adequate intakes of essential nutrients prevent _________ ________ such as ______, ______, and ______.

deficiency diseases, scurvy, goiter, anemia

Meals on Wheels

delivers meals directly to the homebound elderly

Moderation in sugar intake helps prevent ______ ______.

dental caries

macular degeneration

deterioration of the macular area of the eye that can lead to loss of central vision and eventual blindness leading cause of visual loss among older people

challenge of researches in dementia

distinguish between changes of the brain caused by normal, age-related, physiological processes; changes caused by diseases; and changes caused by cumulative, environmental factors such as diet

Nerve cells in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease show free-radical attack and of the minerals that trigger these attacks

free-radical attack: damage to DNA, cell membranes, and proteins minerals: iron, copper, zinc, and aluminum

vitamin d in older adults

greater deficiency risk than younger people do vitamin d-fortified milk is most reliable source, but is not often drunk limited sun exposure in general aging reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D and the kidneys' ability to convert it to its active form ***adults 50-70 yrs of age need 15 micrograms daily adults 71+ need 20 micrograms*** may need supplements to obtain this

More than ____ of all adults age 65 or older have a cataract

half

prevention of cataracts

healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in the antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids) slow the progression or reduce the risk of development supplements of these antioxidants do not can occur in well nourished people with exposure to ultraviolet light, oxidative damage, viral infections, toxic substances, genetic disorders, injury, or other trauma

cardiovascular risk factors related to the development of Alzheimer's

high BP diabetes obesity smoking physical inactivity elevated levels of homocysteine

Moderate sodium intake and adequate intakes of potassium, calcium, and other minerals help prevent ___________.

hypotension

constipation

inevitable when fluid intake is low, physical activity is inadequate, and medication is causing even with adequate intake of fruits and vegetables and phytochemicals

arthritis

inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and structural changes 50 million people affected

older adults who exercise have:

less weight greater flexibility more endurance better balance better health longer lifespan

longevity

long duration of life

depression in older adults

loss of appetite and motivation to cook or even to eat frequently need support and companionship to help overcome and enhance appetite

nutrient deficiency affect on brain

loss of memory and cognition may be preventable or at least diminished or delayed through diet and physical activity

vitamin B12 in older adults

many older adults lose the ability to produce enough stomach acid to make the protein-bound form of vitamin B12 available for absorption one cause of the malabsorption of protein-bound vitamin B12 is a condition known as atrophic gastritis ***adults aged 51+ years need 2.4 micrograms daily***

most likely to be poorly nourished

men living alone

resistance training

not only balance, muscle strength, and mobility, but an increase in energy expenditure and energy intake

Appropriate energy intake helps prevent _______, ________, and related ______________ diseases such as _____________ and ____________ and may influence the development of some forms of ______.

obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer

sarcopenia prevention

optimal nutrition with sufficient protein (overall a very nutrient-dense diet) regular physical activity, especially in resistance training

An adequate calcium intake throughout life helps protect against ____________.

osteroporosis

abundant carbohydrate is needed to

protect protein from being used as an energy source

hydration

risk for older adults; may not notice or pay attention to their thirst may find it too difficult or bothersome to get a drink or go to the bathroom lost bladder control may cause fear of drinking too much water seem to lose thirst mechanism dehydrated patients are more susceptible to UTIs, pneumonia, pressure ulcers, confusion, and disorientation

rheumatoid arthritis prevention

same diet recommended for heart health: low in saturated fat from meats an dmild products high in omega-3 fats from fish

neurofibrillary tangles

snarls of the threadlike strands that extend from the nerve cells, commonly found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's dementia occurs in response to oxidative stress

calcium in older adults

still important if milk causes discomfort then lactose-modified milk or other calcium-rich foods need to take its place

Alzheimer's weight management

struggle due to depression, forgetfulness, changes in body weight regulation

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

supplements income for low-income households by means of a card similar to a debit card to purchase food

life expectancy US

the average number of years live by people in a given society 79 years of age

senile dementia

the loss of brain function beyond the normal loss of physical adeptness and memory that occurs with aging may be attributable to a specific disorder such as a brain tumor or Alzheimer's disease

life span

the maximum number of years of life attainable by a member of a species 130 years

treatment for osteoarthritis

tradition medical intervention: medication and surgery popular supplements: glucosamine and chondroitin

folate in older adults

typically falls short of recommendations more likely to have medical conditions or to take medications that can compromise folate status

iron in older adults

unlikely, but occurs in those with low food energy intakes other factors increase it: chronic blood loss from disease conditions and medicines and poor iron absorption due to reduced secretion of stomach acid and antacid use

osteoarthritis relief

weight loss exercise: jogging and other weight bearing activities, both aerobic activity and weight training