Dysphagia can occur at any age, but is most
THE ELDERLY or older adult
NUTRITION
Introduction
Good nutrition is important, no matter what your age.
It gives you energy and can help you control your
weight. It may also help prevent some diseases, such
as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease,
type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
But as we age, our body and life change, and so does
what we need to stay healthy. We may need fewer
calories, but we still need to get enough nutrients.
ELDERLY/AGED
Senescence
➢ The process of growing old or the period of
old age, a person belongs to this period is
referred to as an elderly or a senior citizen.
➢ A period characterized by disturbed
regulatory and functional mechanism in the
body.
Geriatrics
➢ A study of the phenomena of old age and the
treatment of its accompanying diseases.
Senile
➢ Often clinically associated with an old man
with mental and physical weaknesses, a
meaning which should not be attached to a
normal aged person.
Different Changes at this Age
Taste Changes:
Our sense of taste and smell naturally weaken with
age. This often leads to diminished appetite of adding
more salt to foods to try and recover the flavor we
once remembered. Similarly, our sense for sweet taste
liner, leading many elderlies to overindulge.
Loss of Appetite:
Many factors contribute to loss of appetite in the
elderly population. While its true that metabolism
slows as we age, a significant change in weight in a
short period of time can be dangerous and should be
avoided.
Oral Health & Dental Problem
1. Dry Mouth: as we age, many people
experience dry mouth as a side effect of
medications or reduced saliva production.
2. Ill-fitting Dentures: If you wear dentures,
over time they may become ill – fitting. When
dentures are not properly fitted, one may
experience pain with eating or chewing.
3. Dysphagia: This condition is where it becomes
more difficult to move food or liquid from
your mouth to your stomach.
common in older adults. People who
experience dysphagia will most likely need a
texture modified diet.
4. Compromised Mobility: If you cannot cook or
shop for yourself, eating a balanced healthy
diet can seem impossible at times. There are
many options available to you, so don’t get
discouraged.
5. Reduced Social Activity: Eating with other
people is almost as important as eating a
variety foods, as it create a more enjoyable
atmosphere around eating. We tend to eat
better if we enjoy meals.
Different Disorder in Old Age
Osteoporosis
5 Nutrients for Healthy Strong Bones
1. Calcium
Calcium is not only important for bone
strength, but also your heart, nerves, and
muscles. If you don’t eat enough calcium, your
body will start to take calcium that is stored in
your bones to be use in other places in your
body.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D has many important jobs in the
body, and is needed to help you absorb
calcium from the food you eat. The best way to
get vitamin D naturally is from sunlight, but
some foods also provide vitamin D.
3. Magnesium
In order for vitamin D to help the body
metabolize calcium, it must first be converted
to the active form. Magnesium is the mineral
that is necessary to convert vitamin D to the
active form. Magnesium is also important for
bone mineralization that prevents gout and
arthritis.
4. Potassium
Potassium helps to maintain fluid balances in
the body and protects bones by counter
balancing bone damaging acids.
5. Vitamin K
In addition to improving cardiovascular
health, having adequate vitamin K in your diet
reduces the risk of bone fractures in
osteoporotic patients by playing a role in
improving bone mineralization.
Alzheimer and Dementia
7 Nutrition Tips for Maintaining Brain
Health
Dementia is an overall term that is defined as the loss
of memory, cognitive reasoning, awareness of
1|ME LUMAUAG
environment, judgement, and/or abstract thinking as
well as loss of the ability to perform usual tasks
associated with self-care and day – to – day function.
1. Limit intake of saturated and trans fats
Saturated and trans fats have been associated
with dementia. Saturated fat is found in animal
products like meat, eggs, and dairy while trans fats
are found in many packed foods. Avoid words like
“partially hydrogenated oil” on food labels.
2. Increase your intake of plant-based foods
Vegetables, fruits, legumes (beans peas, and
lentils) and whole grains should become
primary staples of the diet. Increasing plant-
based foods in the diet will help you eat less
saturated fats from meat and dairy as well as
provide an abundance of phytochemicals.
3. Consume 15 milligrams of vitamin E from
foods everyday Vitamin E is an antioxidant
which scavenges toxic free radicals, which
may contribute to cognitive impairment, eat
more seeds, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and whole
grains to increase vita- 4 min E in your diet.
4. Take a B12 supplement Vitamin B12 is
important for healthy nerves and red blood
cells. Recommended daily dose (2.4
micrograms for adults). Some dementias are
caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 and are
reversible when treated. Choose a reliable source of
B12 such as fortified foods or a supplement that
provides at least the recommended daily dose (2.4
micrograms for adults)
5. Avoid vitamins with iron and copper. We now
know there is a confirmed link between high levels
of iron and copper and increased risk of
Alzheimer's you are using a multivitamin, choose
one without iron and copper and only take an iron
supplement if advised by your physician.
6. Choose aluminum free products. While the
details as to how aluminum contributes to
Alzheimer's is under glutinous investigation, it is
recommended to reduce exposure {aluminum.
Minimize aluminum cookware, antacids, baking
powder, and other aluminum containing products.
7. Exercise at least 120 minutes each week
Aerobic exercise is associated with a reduced
risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Walking, swimming, raking the yard, or any the
activity that increases your heart rate and
breathing counts!
Pressure Ulcers & Other Skin Conditions
Pressure ulcers form when an area of skin is subjected
to constant pressure or friction. However, what many
people don't know is that you can arm yourself
from getting pressure ulcers and heal faster if you are
receiving adequate nutrition.
• Eat enough calories: If you are losing weight
or are eating less than 75% of your daily needs
or less than 75% of your normal intake, consult
your physician or dietitian.
• Eat protein at every meal: Your body needs
protein to grow new cells and heal your
wounds or prevent wounds from occurring.
Including one protein source at each meal will
help to make sure you are getting enough
protein.
• Drink fluids throughout the day to stay
hydrated: The body is made up of 50 - 60%
water. Water also moves nutrients where they
are needed to help heal wounds. Aim for 6 - 8
cups of water each day.
• Take a multivitamin with minerals: Unless
there is a known deficiency, there is no need to
mega dose on any particular vitamin or
mineral but taking a daily multivitamin will
help you to receive all the essential vitamins
that you need each day.
Nutrition During Old Age
Eating right and staying fit are important no matter
what your age. As we get older our bodies have
different needs, so certain nutrients become especially
important for good health.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Older adults need more calcium and vitamin D to help
maintain bone health. To meet these needs, select calcium-
rich foods and beverages and aim for three servings of low-
fat or fat-free dairy products each day. Other sources of
calcium include fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green
leafy vegetables, canned fish with soft bones, and fortified
plant-based beverages. Good sources of vitamin D include
fatty fish, such as salmon, eggs and fortified foods and
beverages. If you take a calcium supplement or
multivitamin, choose one that contains vitamin D.
Vitamin B12
Some adults older than 50 may not be able to absorb enough
vitamin B12. Fortified cereal, lean meat and some fish and
seafood are sources of vitamin B12, ask your doctor or a
registered dietitian nutritionist if you need a vitamin B12
supplement.
Fortified means extra nutrients added.
Dietary Fiber
Eat fiber – rich to stay regular. Dietary fiber also may help
lower your risk for heart disease and reduce your risk for
Type 2 diabetes. Eat whole-grain breads and cereals, and
more beans and peas - along with fruits and vegetables
which also provide dietary fiber.
2|ME LUMAUAG
Potassium o Iron
Consuming adequate potassium, along with limiting sodium o Vit. B6
(salt) intake, may lower your risk of high blood pressure. o Vit E
Fruits, vegetables, beans and low-fat o Vit B12 and Folacin
or fat-free dairy products are good sources of potassium. o Vit C
Also, select and prepare foods with little or no added salt. o Copper
Add flavor to food with herbs and spices. o Zinc
o Vit. D
Know Your Fats o Thiamin
Most of the fats you eat should be polyunsaturated and o Water
monounsaturated fats, which are primarily found in
nuts, seeds, avocados, vegetable oils and fish. Choose Factors Affecting the Nutritional Status
foods that are low in saturated fat and trans-fat to help Physiological Factors
reduce your risk of heart disease. • Emotional stress can impair their ability to
utilized the ingested nutrients properly:
CHRONIC DEGENERATIVE DISEASES IN 1. Anxiety
ELDERLY: 2. Depression
1. Arthritis 3. Suspicion
Is the inflammation of one or more joints, 4. Confusion
which results in pain swelling and stiffness 5. Loss of memory
with limited movements.
Cultural Factors
2. Rheumatism Upon reaching old age many elder tend
is a non-specific term for medical problems
affecting the joints and connective tissues. Physical Factors
• Poor teeth and gums, inferior
3. Gout
is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid Physical Discomfort like:
builds up in the joints. •

4. Coronary heart disease Socio – Economic Factor

is the narrowing of the small blood vessel that •
supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
Health Factors
5. Diabetes • Infections, injuries, GI symptoms, obesity,
is a chronic (lifelong] disease marked by diabetes, gout & surgeries
high levels of sugar in the blood. • Chronic diseases + economic & physiological
factors = Poor Nutritional Status
Nutrient Allowance
1. Energy What is an ideal diet for the elderly?
• The ideal diet of the elderly person should be
2. Carbohydrates wholesome and nutritious. It should have
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, mineral &
3. Fats vitamins apart from dietary fiber.
Sucrose (table sugar) and saturated fatty acids are • They should also take plenty of water. It does
known to increase triglyceride and cholesterol not matter whether it is a vegetarian or non-
levels in the blood. vegetarian diet.
• But they should be able to chew their food
4. Protein which could be easily digested.
• One should keep in mind that elders with high
5. Vitamins and Minerals
BP high Cholesterol levels, heart disease,
Impaired GI bioavailability can cause lack of
obesity or other problems should alter their
the following:
diet accordingly.
o Vit. B12
o Vit C
Food The Helps Slow Down Aging
o Zinc
1. Nuts
o Calcium
2. Wheat germ
o Vit. A
3. Whole bran
o Iron
4. Oatmeal
Due to low intake of meat, green leafy
5. Chicken legs
vegetables, and fruits.
6. Spinach
o Calcium

3|ME LUMAUAG
 7. Pinto beans
8. Sardines
9. Red salmon
10. Peas
11. Lima beans and white beans

Common Problems among Elderly:

1. Difficulty in chewing due to loss of teeth and
not getting used to dentures.

2. Lack of appetite.

3. Unwanted weight and due to lack of physical

activity or to overeating.

4. Anxiety, confusion, insecurity, loneliness.

5. Poor digestion leading to constipation, gas

pains, or diarrhea.

6. Poor absorption leading to anemia and other

vit. Deficiencies.

7. Difficulty in sleeping.

How to Live Longer

1. Avoid red meat.
2. Eat veggies rich in beta carotin, eat more
frequently.
3. Adhere to low-fat, low-calorie diet.
4. Avoid preserved foods.
5. Cut on smoked meats.
6. Take vitamin supplement daily.
7. Don’t smoke.
8. Avoid fats and oils.
9. Avoid all sugars.
10. Severely limit salt.
11. Severely limit cholesterol.
12. Avoid too much alcohol, black tea, caffeinated
drink.
13. Freely use whole grains products.
14. Freely tubers and legumes.
15. Drink plenty of water.
16. Eat good breakfast daily.

4|ME LUMAUAG