Older Adult Concerns and Holistic Care

Nutrition in the Elderly Population  

    Nutrition, the process of obtaining or providing the foods necessary for growth and health, is very
important for the elderly wellness, wellbeing, and health. The elderly are greatly vulnerable to
malnutrition due to unhealthy eating. Elderly nutrition is essential as having a nutritious and
balanced and diets protects the old against life-threatening disorders such as diabetes or high blood
pressure (Bender & Krznarić, 2020).  Apples, for example, are ideal fruits for the old people who
have high cholesterol or who are struggling with maintaining their blood sugar levels.  The elderly
should also consume a lot of proteins, calcium, folic acid, and iron to protect their health from
chronic diseases. 

1. Response of the Older Adult when Nutrition is not met and Significance of the Need

    Poor nutrition among the elderly results in an array of senior health concerns, for example, a
weakened immune system, which increases the risks of chronic diseases or infections. It also leads to
decreased bone mass and muscle weakness, which can result in falls as well as fractures. For
instance, low protein consumption amongst the elder people results in muscle loss and osteoporosis
due to a reduction in lean muscle function, strength, and mass. Decreased dietary protein
consumption has also been established to reduce total body calcium, increase fracture risks and
adversely affect bone mineral density of the femoral neck (Devries et al., 2018). Poor nutrition is also
associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and heart
attack among the elderly. It can also lead to mood swing and emotional disorders because the body
has a hard time to produce critical chemicals and hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which
are often triggered by the ingredients or foods such as fresh berries, beans, oats, and oily fish.
Besides, the elderly can also experience deteriorating eyesight as a result of poor nutrition. This is
usually caused by macular degeneration. Nutrition is important as it strengthen the immune system,
enhances bone mineral density of the femoral neck, improves lean muscle function, strength and
mass, and promotes overall wellbeing. 

2. Holistic Nursing Intervention that can Promote Health, Wellness, or Healing for Nutrition 

Nurses have the responsibility and expertise to make sure that patient nutritional needs are
achieved. Provision of nutrition screening as well as proper nutrition advice is important for
improving healthy eating and succeeding health outcome. Nutritional education is one of the holistic
nursing interventions that can fundamentally promote nutrition among the elderly. The elderly
alongside their loved ones should be advised on the foods appropriate the old. The nurses cab play
an integral role in mealtime management of the elderly to ensure the foods they consume can
promote their immune system and prevent them from developing diseases such as osteoporosis
(Ahn, Park & Kim, 2018). The elderly’s meals must be nutrient-rich food which includes a variety of
lean meats, fish, whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruits. 

3. Collaboration Measures used to Communicate Education and Safety Needs to Nutrition

    Nutritional education and safety always a multidisciplinary team that act with the aim of ensuring
healthy eating. First, the public health officers carry out campaigns to create awareness in regard to
eating balanced. The nurses also offer advisory services and formulate the best foods for patients
who are faced with poor nutrition. They also screen malnutrition, treat underlying condition causing
malnutrition, recommend mineral and vitamin supplements, and advice patients on the foods they
need not to consume. The above measures are aimed at ensuring people do not develop health
problems or concerns that can lead to health deterioration or death. 

References

Ahn, J. A., Park, J., & Kim, C. J. (2018). Effects of an individualised nutritional education and support
programme on dietary habits, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status of older adults living
alone. Journal of clinical nursing, 27(9-10), 2142-2151.

Bender, D. V., & Krznarić, Ž. (2020). Nutritional issues and considerations in the elderly: an
update. Croatian Medical Journal, 61(2), 180.

Devries, M. C., McGlory, C., Bolster, D. R., Kamil, A., Rahn, M., Harkness, L., ... & Phillips, S. M. (2018).
Leucine, not total protein, content of a supplement is the primary determinant of muscle protein
anabolic responses in healthy older women. The Journal of nutrition, 148(7), 1088-1095.