As stated on the Nutrition Class post I created a few of days ago, I will be sharing my responses to nutrition topics. This post includes my initial response to a question posted by the professor and comments I made to others’ responses to that same question.
The professor posted the following:
“The focus of this discussion is nutrition concerns related to the elderly. For your initial post identify what you believe are two most important factors that contribute to malnutrition in the elderly population group.”
My Initial Response
[ME:]There are several issues that I can think of from seeing them in real life, but the book makes excellent points.
The first serious issue is a degeneration of the GI Tract which often leads to diminished digestion and absorption. It is well known that most people’s bodies deteriorate as they age. This common occurrence leads to the GI Tract degeneration I mention above.
This same deterioration of the body leads to the second-most serious problem – physical limitations. These limitations can make shopping and cooking a much harder task than it was years before. Part of this deterioration may include tooth sensitivity which limits the person to softer types of foods (eliminating many foods from their diet). Taste/smell can also be affected and lead to a complete change of food choices (also eliminating many foods from their diet).
Discussion Based on my Initial Response
[STUDENT 1:]I like what you mention in terms of the bodies of elderly people simply changes. This is a natural occurrence in life. Everyones bodies change in age and with that will come limitations. It is unfortunate that it the body morphs to where we can not nourish ourselves properly but I believe this is just the life cycle.
[STUDENT 2:]Hey Keven,
I agree with you with regards to the GI Tract, one of the most significant dietary changes a senior can make to become healthier is to increase fiber intake. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, diets high in fiber keep cholesterol levels down, help the digestive tract work more efficiently and reduce the risk of developing diseases ranging from diabetes to cancer. Men over age 50 should ingest close to 30 grams of fiber per day; women of that age need closer to 21 grams daily. Good sources of fiber include popcorn, fresh fruit and vegetables and whole-wheat bread.
I also agree with you about physical limitations, just to add to what you said, certain medications (whether over-the-counter or prescription) can reduce appetite, cause nausea, or make food taste differently. If a senior doesn’t feel hungry due to medication side effects, they are less likely to eat even though there body does need food and calories. Also many seniors are on fixed or limited incomes. If there worried about money, a senior may cut back on grocery expenses or buy cheaper and less-nutritious foods to stretch his/her budget. Lacking money to pay for adequate foods can result in a host of nutrition problems. Since many seniors aren’t eating as much as they should, the food they do eat must be as nutritious as possible.Whole, unprocessed foods that are high in calories and nutrients for their size. Some examples include: healthy fats (nut butters, nuts, seeds and olive oil), whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread, oats and whole grain cereals), fresh fruits and vegetables (canned and frozen are also good choices), and protein-rich beans, legumes and meat and dairy products. This will help ensure that they are getting all the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain proper health.
My Comments on Other Students’ Initial Responses
(First Conversation)
[STUDENT 1:] A possible factor for the reason that elderly don’t get the needed nutrition is because they may not want to cook simply because they are too tired to cook, and there is an easy solution for that. Go to a restaurant that has an early special. Having said most places that have this food special don’t have the best of foods that have the needed nutrition in them. Problem solved for the elderly for hunger but not the nutrition. Now they could get the salad and get some fruit to go with it but, most likely the food that they order to go with it is bad for them.
[ME:] STUDENT 1:
You make a very good point when suggesting that elders can choose salads and fruits when eating at these “early bird special” places (most likely buffets).
I would venture to say that most of these foods lack nutrients, however because they have been sitting out for so long (most probably prepared the night before – or earlier).
One huge.. MAJOR point in nutrition is that we need to eat our food as soon as it is prepared. Cutting one carrot into “sticks” and letting sit out exposes the inside of the carrot and oxidizes it to no end. Our textbook suggests that we eat our foods and drink our juices within days of preparing them.[1]
:( Actually, they use the word “opening” instead of preparing. I was extremely disappointed. I think we have forgotten that “juices” are from fruits/vegetables and should be squeezed/extracted… They are not from cans and should not have to be opened.
I have never bought a V8 or Tropicana-like oj’s. I have appliances I can use to make juice from just about anything.
Back on point… Yes! I wholeheartedly agree that there are “smarter” choices that can (and should) be made by elders who eat regularly at restaurants.
References:
[1] Textbook page 342
(Second Conversation)
[STUDENT 1:]The natural process of aging will lead to many changes in our physical, social, economic and psychological lives. All these changes can contribute to malnutrition in the elderly. Two factors that may cause malnutrition in older people in our society, that I personally find very disturbing are:
* Economic factors. The high cost of health care and reduced income (prompted by retirement) and higher costs of living can lead an elderly person to poverty. Thus, money for food can be a daily issue, meals may be skipped and food intake probably will not provide adequate nutrition.
* Psychological factors. Older adults in our society have lower status. We as a society seem to put a great deal of emphasis and value on youth; thus, we isolate and marginalize older people. Without social networks an individual may feel isolated and that may cause mental health issues, which can be one reason for reduced food intake.
[ME:]STUDENT 1:
Indeed, disturbing and sad because it seems these are the two factors that everyone could have a handle on. Having a decreased income of, as you put it, have “lower status” are things that really eat you up from the inside. These are factors that could lead to others, like depression.
I listed physiological deterioration as a factor. But whose to say that the demise wasn’t brought on by depression that was preceded by either (or both) of the factors you’ve mentioned?
[STUDENT 1:]Hi Kevin,
Could be interesting to see a study that compares malnutrition in the elderly American population with other countries, where older people hold a higher social status.
thanks for the input,
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