1. Ch. 14: Nutrition Through the Life Span: Later Adulthood
Describe the characteristics of the ideal diet for older adults as related to the essential nutrients
Identify common nutrients deficiencies in older adults
Identify the prescription for a healthy old age

2. Healthy Habits Sleeping regularly and adequately
Eating regular meals, including breakfast
Keeping weight under control
Engaging in regular exercise
Not smoking
Not using alcohol, or using it in moderation

3. Ideal Diet for Older Adults
Eat foods from all food groups
Reduce consumption of energy nutrients as kcalorie needs decline (may be in excess)
Lean body mass decreases
Metabolism slows down
Physical activity may decrease
Fat needs to be limited to decrease risk of cancer and atheroschlerosis & to reduce kcalories
Eat vitamin and mineral rich foods

4. Deficiencies in Older Adults
Water: reduction in thirst mechanism, unable to get water, ignore thirst
Vitamins and Fruits: many times omitted from the diet
Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin D, Iron and Calcium
Iron absorption affected by reduced acidity in stomach and overuse of antacids
Calcium and Vit. D because of low milk intake, lack of exposure to sunshine & reduced ability of skin to activate Vit. D (osteoporosis)

5. Physical Changes that Affect Nutrition
Mouth: tooth loss, gum disease, reduced salivary output
Digestive Tract: sluggish motility, reduced acid output, some pain
Hormones: Less insulin production can cause abnormal glucose metabolism
Sensory Organs: Smell and sight
Body Composition: Lean body mass
Urinary Tract: Increased frequency may limit fluid intake

6. Prescription for a Healthy Old Age
Studies of all cultural groups indicate the secret to long life is a physically active life
Prescription includes the following:
Regular exercise
Foods from all food groups
Adequate sleep
Vitamin/mineral supplements if recommended

7. Test Questions
1. Which of the following is often consumed in excess by elderly people?
A. Kcalories—energy
B. Protein
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin D

8. 2. Based on studies of other cultural groups, the secret to long life is:
A. A low fat diet
B. Avoidance of smoking
C. A physically active life
D. A restricted food intake

9. 3. All of the following factors in older people’s lives increase the likelihood of Vitamin D deficiency EXCEPT:
A. Antacid use
B. Limited exposure to sunlight
C. Limited intake of milk
D. Reduced ability of the skin to activate Vitamin D