Nutritional Considerations in the Care of the Elderly

7/29/2019 Nutritional Considerations in the Care of the Elderly

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NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONSIN

THECAREOFTHEELDERLY


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NUTRITION

The process of nourishing or being nourished,

especially the process by which a living organism

assimilates food and uses it for growth and for

replacement of tissues.

The science or study that deals with food and

nourishment, especially in humans.

A source of nourishment; food.


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ABCS OF NUTRITION

Aim of Fitness

Build a Healthy Body

Choose Sensibly


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MICRONUTRIENTS

are nutrients required by humans and other living

things throughout life in small quantities to

orchestrate a whole range of physiological

functions, but which the organism itself cannot

produce

include all vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins are eitherwater-soluble (e.g. such as the

B complex vitamins and vitamin C) and generally

not stored by the body for future needs, orfat-soluble(e.g., vitamins A and D), which can be

stored by the body.


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MACRONUTRIENTS

Nutrients are substances needed for

growth, metabolism, and for other body functions.

provide calories or energy.

are required in large amounts. proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.


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AGING CHANGESTHAT AFFECT NUTRITION

Some loss of taste and smell making food taste

bland

Loss of awareness of thirst

Dry mouth Problems with teeth and gums and loss of muscle

mass in jaws and throat cause difficulties with

chewing and swallowing


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RISK FACTORSFOR POOR NUTRITION

alcohol or substance abuse

memory problems

little exercise

depression

functional limitations

low income

limited education

limited mobility, transportation

medical problems, chronic diseases medications

restriction diets, poor eating habits

social isolation


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Female Male

Vegetables and Fruit 7 7

Grain Products 6 7

Milk and Alternatives 3 3

Meat and Alternatives 2 3


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ASSESSMENT

Anthropometric Measurements

Height and Weight

N BMI = Over 65 24-29

Skinfold thickness and Circumference


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TIPSFOR IMPROVING NUTRITION

Drinking plenty of water or other fluids will prevent

constipation and dehydration. Enough fiber in the diet

may help prevent constipation as well.

Darker-coloured vegetables and fruits have higher levels

of vitamins. Older adults may not absorb enough of the vitamins that

they need for healthy aging because of changes in their

metabolism. Other older adults may have limited food

choices because of medical conditions.

Vitamin supplements such as calcium, vitamin D,

vitamin B12 and folic acid can be helpful but always

check with your health care provider about taking

vitamin supplements.


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IMPROVING FOOD INTAKE

Preventing poor nutrition is much easier thantreating it. Some ways to improve food intake are:if

possible, avoid restricted diets

cater to food preferences

eat meals with a friend

prepare foods of proper consistency, temperature

and presentation

improve taste of food with herbs and spices

avoid hard-to-open packaging


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GOTOEMERGENCYIF:

sudden high temperature/signs of confusionpeople who don't eat well are more prone toinfections

dizziness, falling, passing out this could be a

result of weight loss Call a doctor during office hours with any of the

following symptoms:

weight loss of 5% or more in one month or 10% ormore in 6 months

dehydration

loose bowel movements

coughing while eating or swallowing

dental or mouth problems


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NUTRITIONALDISORDERS

Dehydration

Normal Need:

30 ml/kg Body weight = 6-8glasses/day= 1.5 L urine

Etiology Impaired cognitive functioning

Poor oral intake

Enteral Tube feedings

Undiagnosed DM

Diuretics

Abuse of Laxatives


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Dysphagia Impaired Swallowing

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia /Transfer dysphagia

Trouble initiating or swallow or difficulty with voluntary transferof food or fluid from the mouth into the esophagus

Esophageal Dysphagia

Difficulty with food transport after swallowing

Obesity Excess body fat

BMI above 30

Risk Factors Inactivity

Reduced metabolism

Lifelong patterns

Limited social contact

Poor dentition

Reduced mobility

Endocrine disorders


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Malnutrition

is the condition that results from taking an unbalanced

diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess (too

high an intake) ,or in the wrong proportions


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Eyes - The eyelids can be swollen or inflamed. The cornea of the eye can become soft. Thebluish tinge of the white of the eyes can disappear. In an advanced stage, the inner surfaceof the eye might seem dull, lusterless and rough.

Face -When the mouth of the patient is held half open, angular wrinkles emerging out themouth can be seen. They can become scars in advanced stages. A mucous lining candevelop inside the mouth, which might protrude out and appear to be a part of lips. Deepcracks and reddening is also visible on the lips and corners of the mouth.

Glands - A swollen Thyroid gland just below the Adams apple is the clear indication ofmalnutrition. The salivary glands of people with malnutrition swell like mumps.

Mouth - Taste buds can completely disappear in case of malnutrition. Patients suffer withsores and reddening inside the mouth, with white patches of fungus on the tongue.

Muscles - The muscles start wearing away slowly. This is because, for the generation ofenergy body starts utilizing the muscles, saving the fat for emergency. Muscles startappearing like jelly and lose their toning.

Skin - The skin complexion becomes dull and yellow. Xerosis, meaning dry and crinkledskin is the term used to describe the condition of the skin. The color under the nails alsofades away. It is known as Follicular Hyperkeratosis, which appears like goose bumps butdon't go away even if the patient is warm.

Teeth - Tooth decay is also a symptom of malnutrition. The enamel of the teeth can be dotted

with white patches. Teeth can also don brown stains accompanied by pitting. Gums canswell, with puss emerging from the bone below the gum line. The bone and teeth becomeeasily breakable.

Psychological - The patient becomes unresponsive and disinterested in the surroundings.Listlessness, weariness and apathy are some of the common symptoms. In addition,dullness, irritability and poor memory are also notice


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TREATMENT

Home delivered meals

Nuritional Supplements

Promote Self Feeding

Enteral Nutrition TPN

Nutritional Considerations in the Care of the Elderly

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