OLDER ADULTS
GROUP 6
Nutritional Problems
 Older adults and seniors are more prone to nutritional problems due to age-related changes in their bodies
including muscle loss, mild cognitive decline, and decreased sense of taste and smell. These changes can make it
more difficult for older adults to meet their nutritional needs.
 Common nutritional problem among older adults is malnutrition (undernutrition, overnutrition) and
dehydration.
NUTRIONAL PROBLEMS
MALNUTRITION- Is a serious condition that happens
when your diet does not contain the right amount of
nutrients to stay healthy. It means "poor nutrition" and
can refer to: undernutrition – not getting enough
nutrients.
Malnutrition in older adults can lead to various health
concerns, including:
- A weak immune system, which increases the risk
of infections such as dementias, heart disease,
type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
- Poor wound healing
- Muscle weakness and decreased bone mass,
which can lead to falls and fractures
- A higher risk of hospitalization
- An increased risk of death
Overnutrition- getting more nutrients than needed
Dehydration - As we get older, there’s also a decreased
thirst response, and the kidneys have a decreased ability
to concentrate urine, both of which can lead to
dehydration.
INTERVENTION
Add Extra Calories Without Extra Volume
 There are ways to boost nutrition without adding
lots of extra food. For example:
- Add extra sauces, gravies, and grated cheese to
entrees and side dishes.
- Stir powdered skim milk into milk, milkshakes,
and cold and hot cereals.
- Add honey, molasses, or maple syrup to hot
cereal.
- Sprinkle wheat germ into hot and cold cereals,
and add it to baked goods, such as breads and
muffins.
Use Nutrition Supplements When Necessary
 While a well-balanced diet is the best bet, some
people may find it easier to sip a nutrition
supplement drink than to eat a meal. But talk to
your doctor or dietitian to see if this is something
that you should do.
Do Not Fill Up on Non-nutritious Items
 It is important not to fill up on things like coffee,
tea, and soft drinks, which can take the place of
more nutritious items.
Make Meals and Snacks Nutrient-dense
 This means making nutrient-rich foods the focus
of the meal. For example, instead of plain chicken
broth, try a hearty chicken and vegetable soup.
Casseroles, stews, and roasts are also good meal
ideas.
 Try to drink water throughout the day. Other
beverages that may also help with hydration
include milk, flavored sparkling water, and fruit
juices with low sugar. Drink coffee and tea
sparingly, as they can have diuretic effects.
 If it’s hard to drink too much liquid all at once,
take small sips. If you don’t find water very
appealing, try adding a slice or squeeze of lemon
or lime to add flavor
 Try to include foods in your diet that have higher
water content. Some examples include
watermelon, cucumber, celery, strawberries, and
low sodium broths or soups..
 Nutrient Concerns of Aging
NUTRIENT EFFECTS OF AGING
WATER - Lack of thirst and decreased total body water
make dehydration likely.
- Difficulty obtaining water or getting to the
bathroom may compound the problem
ENERGY -Need decreases as muscle mass decreases
(sarcopenia)
FIBER -Likelihood of constipation increases with low
intakes and changes in the GI tract.
-Inadequate water intakes and lack of physical
activity, along with some medications, compound
the problem.
PROTEIN Needs may stay the same or increase slightly.
VITAMIN B12 Atrophic gastritis is common
-Deficiency causes neurological damages
VITAMIN D -Increased likelihood of inadequate intake; skin
synthesis declines.
CALCIUM Intakes may be low; osteoporosis is common
IRON In women, status improves after menopause;
deficiencies are linked to chronic blood losses and
low stomach acid output
ZINC -Intakes are often inadequate and absorption may
be poor, but needs may also increase.
-Medications interfere with absorption; deficiency
may depress appetite and sense of taste.
INTERVENTION
Increase water intake
Physical activity moderates the decline
-Increase water and food rich in fiber such as
eating high fiber foods like beans, oats, barley,
almonds, and walnuts
Low-fat, high-fiber legumes and grams meet
both protein and other nutrient needs
Supplements may be needed
Daily sunlight exposure in moderation or
supplements may be beneficial.
Stomach discomfort commonly limits milk
intake; calcium substitutes or supplements
may be needed
Adequate stomach acid is required for
absorption; antacid or other medicine use may
aggravate iron deficiency; vitamin C and meat
increase absorption
Consume Zinc rich foods, like beans, chia
seeds, almonds, pecans and oatmeal and zinc
supplements may be needed and