THE AGING PROCESS & ITS AFFECTS ON SENIORS AND NUTRITIONANNE SUTTIE

ABSTRACT

The aging process affects the way that seniors are able to intake and access food. As well, as a result of the aging process, nutritional needs of seniors adapt and their diet must reflect this in order for them to be healthy and energized.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why am I interested? Background Information So what are the issues? Summary Conclusion

WHY AM I INTERESTED?

One day last semester, I was getting groceries and I

happened past an elderly woman with mobility issues picking out her groceries. I ended up bumping into her at several points during my

shopping trip and stood back to observe. She was using a

cane and was carrying a small basket.

The basket wasn’t large enough to carry all that she required and I watched her test out items several times

in each food department before realizing that she

could not carry their weight. My heart broke as I watched

her make her way to the frozen food isle to gather the

only items that she could manage to hold in her

basket: Michelinas frozen dinners.

WHY AM I INTERESTED?

Since that day at the grocery store, I have spent a lot of time contemplating the barriers to good

nutrition that are ever-present in the lives of seniors. I hope to assist in finding a solution in

the future, but for now…I’ll be satisfied with educating you .

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Seniors are a rapidly growing population in Canada

Although most seniors report good health, 4/5 living at home suffer from chronic health conditions

Seniors health care accounts for $1 billion each year

Seniors tend to have a lower income than adults in other age groups

29% of seniors live alone

SO WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

Nutritional needs (results of the aging process)

Mobility Limited income Solitary lifestyle

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS – THE AGING PROCESS

The aging process may leave seniors with: loss of appetite and energy due to decrease in muscle

mass loss of bone density decreased immunity to infection dental and mouth problems loss of taste and smell digestion problems chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes) (Keller, 2003)

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS – MORE ABOUT VITAMINS & MINERALS

Vitamins and minerals that may be lacking Vitamin D Calcium Vitamin B12

As with all other age groups, it is always important for diets to be rich in a variety of minerals and

nutrients which aid in normal functions of the body and help to prevent disease.

MOBILITY

Issues with mobility can affect access that seniors have to healthy, nutritional food Driver’s Licenses Reliance on friends and family Public transit, handy dart, taxis Meals on wheels and other food

delivery options

For seniors who have mobility issues but still want to be independent, access to good nutritional options is

a huge issue!

LIMITED INCOME

Not all seniors experience a high income when they reach old age This can affect food purchase decisions – fresh vs. frozen It can also affect transportation options – taxi vs. public

transit

SOLITARY LIFESTYLE Many seniors live alone

This can affect motivation to cook meals for just themselves Many foods are also sold in large quantities which is

expensive, difficult to store and difficult for one person to eat before it spoils

CONCLUSIONThe senior population is increasing in size annually and it

is very important for their overall health and well-being to eat healthy and nutritious foods.

Don’t you want to look like this when you’re 80??

REFERENCES

Keller, H. (2003). Dieticians of Canada. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from Bringing Nutrition Screening to Seniors in Canada: http://www.dietitians.ca/seniors/pdf/Nutrition_Seniors_Fact_Sheet_ENG.pdf

Mason, R. R. (2009). The Doctor Will See You Now. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from The Graying of Society: Nutrition, Vitamins, and Aging: http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/content/aging/art2052.html?getPage=1

Ministry of Public Works and Government Services Canada. (2008). Public Health Agency of Canada. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from Canada's Aging Population: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/various-varies/papier-fed-paper/index-eng.php