Nutrition in the

Adult and Elderly

by: Rhodeva Braga, RN
AIMS OF GOOD NUTRITION
THROUGOUT ADULTHOOD
a.Proper training both in food selection
and in regularity of eating as early in
life as possible
b.Maintenance of healthy body weight
 Nutrition in the
• Elderly
Physical changes that accompany
aging that affect nutrition:
– Tooth loss, gum disease and
reduced salivary output
– Swallowing disorders and choking
– Intestines loss muscle strength
– Pancreas secrete less insulin and cells
become less responsive
 Nutrition in the
Elderly
• Physical changes that accompany
aging that affect nutrition:
– Diminished sense of smell and taste
– Poor eyesight
– Weight loss and decline in lean body
mass leads to lower energy needs
– Increased frequency of urination
 Energy
Requirements
• General decrease in kcal needs
– Reduce calories by:
• 10% for adults aged 50-59 y/o
• 20% for adults aged 60-69 y/o
• 25% for adults aged 70 y/o and
above
 Protein
Needs
• Enough protein is important for a
healthy immune system and
prevent muscle wasting
• Meat sources should be low-fat
sources
• Liquid supplements may be used to
provide protein
 Carbohydrate and Dietary
Fiber
• Complex carbohydrates
should be encouraged
• Inclusion of fiber containing
food is important
• Best sources: unrefined breads
and cereals, fruit and vegetables
• Sugar intake must be less
 Wate
r
• Prone to dehydration. Dehydrated
adults seem more prone to UTI,
pneumonia and pressure ulcers
• Liberal fluid intake (8-10 glasses)
• Limit/avoid alcohol or caffeine intake
due to diuretic effect
 Nutrient
Supplements
• Food is still the best source of
nutrients for everyone
• Elderly adults often benefit from
low-dose vitamin and mineral
supplement. Too much supply
should be avoided
 Other
1. Recommendations
Encourage Vit-D fortified food for limited
sunlight exposure
2. Foods containing vits B6, B12, Folate,
iron, zinc and calcium
3. Reduced sodium intake
4. Soft textured food for those who have
difficulty chewing and swallowing
5. With poor appetite: improve meal
presentationn and ecncourage small
frequent feeding
6. Nutrient-drug interaction should be
 PROBLEMS WITH NUTRITIONAL
IMPLICATIONS DURING
ADULTHOOD
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Harmful working environment
Lack of sleep, exercise, and
relaxation
Disease conditions
 PROBLEMS WITH NUTRITIONAL
IMPLICATIONS DURING EDLERLY
STAGE
Poor dentition
Loss of appetite
Acuity of taste and smell
Reduced secretions of digestive enzyme
Lack of neuromuscular coordination
Reduced cellular metabolism
Reduced circulatory and excretory functions
Hormonal changes
At risk for pernicious anemia and osteoporosis
 NUTRITION
SENSITIVE
D SCREENING
Disease (any), illnesses, chronic condition which causes
way to eat

E Eating poorly, drinking alcohol, skipping meals, not

eating enough

T Tooth loss, unhealthy mouth

E Economic hardship

R Reduced social contact

M Multiple medicines

I Involuntary weight gain/loss

N Needs assistance in self care

E Elder years beyond 80