The relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases is undeniable. As they age, the elderly’s energy needs decrease and their desire to eat decreases. However, if the right food choices are not made, their intake of essential nutrients will be lower than desired. Paying attention to the nutrition of the elderly is very important due to changing nutritional needs.
Following the principles of proper nutrition for the elderly will allow a person to live their years with more health, vitality, and comfort and will be less exposed to common diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood fat, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It should be noted that proper and proper nutrition for the elderly and eating habits are effective in preventing these diseases. Many of the diseases that elderly people suffer from are the result of dietary factors that are even influenced by the diet during pregnancy and infancy.
These factors are complicated by changes that occur naturally with the aging process. Dietary fat appears to be associated with colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Atherogenic risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and glucose intolerance are all influenced by dietary factors. In this article from humanhealthmag, we will learn about important points in the field of nutrition for the elderly.
Why is Proper and Balanced Diet Important for the Elderly?
Considering the relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases, proper and balanced nutrition is very important for the elderly. As a result, paying attention to the benefits and importance of nutrition in the elderly can have many effects on the correct and principled implementation of the elderly diet plan. For example, to prevent premature aging, you should become familiar with foods that age you. Therefore, the most important benefits and effects of implementing proper nutrition in the elderly are:
- Maintaining health: Proper nutrition helps control chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure and strengthens general health.
- Maintaining brain function: Proper nutrition increases cognitive abilities and memory and helps reduce the risk of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Becoming self-sufficient in performing daily tasks: Proper nutrition maintains muscle strength and joint flexibility, which helps the elderly maintain their physical independence.
- Increased quality of life: Proper nutrition increases energy levels and improves mood, which in turn improves quality of life.
- Weight control: Proper nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent problems related to obesity or weight loss in old age.
Relationship Between Elderly Nutrition and Diseases
In this section, we will explain a few cases of the relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases.
- Malnutrition
Unfortunately, a high percentage of the elderly suffer from some degree of malnutrition, which is caused by several factors. Some of these factors include: depression and forgetfulness, poverty and low income, taking multiple medications, living in a nursing home, swallowing problems, loneliness, difficulty preparing and cooking food, oral and dental problems, suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, etc., loss of appetite, decreased sense of taste and smell, physical weakness, nutritional ignorance, etc.
Malnutrition in the elderly manifests itself with symptoms such as fatigue, lack of mobility, weakness, forgetfulness, and nervous disorders. Malnutrition has its greatest impact through protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and since the diet of the elderly is often poor in vitamins and minerals, the elderly can benefit from taking vitamin supplements. By being aware of food requirements for the elderly, such problems can be prevented.
- Constipation
The risk of constipation is high in the elderly, and the factors that contribute to its development are poor nutrition, insufficient water intake, excessive use of laxatives and some medications, as well as inactivity and prolonged bed rest. To relieve constipation, it is recommended that a person consume foods containing sufficient fiber daily, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads, and include dried fruits such as figs, apricot leaves, etc., which are rich in fiber, in their diet.
Consuming 4 to 8 glasses of water daily helps the intestines function properly. A person should have sufficient physical activity and avoid consuming ready-made foods, which are often low in fiber. These people should follow the principles of diet for elderly digestion.
- Alzheimer’s
Elderly people with Alzheimer’s are at risk of malnutrition and inadequate food intake due to depression and forgetfulness. A regular meal plan should be prepared for these elderly people and their food intake should be monitored. Also, a happy atmosphere and foods that are easier to consume should be provided for them at mealtime. Weight control is very important for elderly people with Alzheimer’s.
- Blood pressure problems
Increased blood pressure is common in old age and is a risk factor for cardiovascular, kidney and retinal diseases. To control blood pressure, salt, salty foods and fats, especially solid oils, should be limited in the diet and instead, fruits and vegetables should be increased, especially raw. Also, weight should be maintained within a normal range and smoking should be avoided.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is characterized by a gradual decrease in bone mass, bone tissue becoming porous and prone to fractures. Smoking, inactivity, excessive and prolonged consumption of caffeine (coffee and tea), and taking certain medications can accelerate the process of bone loss. To prevent it, bone mass should be increased from the early years of life by consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products.
Also, avoid excessive consumption of sodium, caffeine, and carbonated drinks, steroid medications, smoking, and alcohol, and include regular exercise in your daily routine. Calcium supplements are also prescribed, which are best taken on an empty stomach and should not be taken simultaneously with other supplements such as zinc and iron, and medications such as antacids, cholestyramine, etc.
- Arthritis
Arthritis is characterized by painful swelling of the joints. Weight loss is essential for obese people with arthritis to reduce the pressure on the joints. Eating foods rich in vitamin E can reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints due to its antioxidant properties. Reducing the consumption of meat and high-fat dairy products, increasing the consumption of fish oil (due to its omega-3 content), etc. can reduce joint inflammation. Consumption of milk and dairy products may also aggravate arthritis in some people, which depends on the reactions of the individual’s immune system.
- Diabetes
Elderly people with diabetes should maintain a proper diet and regular intake of medications, weight, blood sugar and lipids within the desired range. These people should include fiber-rich foods in their diet, increase the number of meals and reduce their size. Limit fat intake, especially saturated fats, avoid simple sugars and high salt intake, and engage in regular physical activity.
What are the Complications of Poor Nutrition in the Elderly?
According to the relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases, poor nutrition in the elderly can lead to the following serious complications:
- General weakness: Lack of proper nutrition can cause general weakness, decreased energy, and increased fatigue.
- Damage to bone health: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency can lead to reduced bone density and an increased risk of back pain, bone fractures, and osteoporosis (reduced bone strength).
- Impaired brain function: Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to decreased memory, concentration, and cognitive abilities, and in the long term, can increase the risk of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Digestive problems: Lack of fiber and water can lead to digestive problems such as constipation and intestinal problems.
- Weak immune system: Poor nutrition can reduce the immune system.
- Increased risk of heart disease: Excessive consumption of salt and fat and lack of healthy foods can increase the risk of heart diseases such as high blood pressure and vascular diseases.
Indeed, do you know how is elderly malnutrition treatment and what food is good for malnutrition in the elderly?
Relationship Between Nutrition and Aging
Many of the diseases that older people suffer from are the result of the relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases, which is influenced even by the diet during fetal and infant life. Degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer, which are among the common diseases in the elderly, are all influenced by diet.
Increasingly, in the discussion of diet and disease, the role that micronutrients play in promoting health and preventing noncommunicable diseases has received considerable attention. Micronutrient deficiencies are often common in older people due to various factors, including reduced food intake and lack of variety in the foods they eat.
Older people also often suffer from decreased immune function, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in this group. Other important changes associated with aging include loss of cognitive function and worsening vision impairment, all of which are barriers to health and eating habits in older people. High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary artery disease in both men and women, and is common in older people, and this association is very strong in older people.
Intervention trials have shown that a 6 mmHg reduction in blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke by 40% and heart attack by 15%, and a 10% reduction in blood cholesterol levels reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%. Dietary changes appear to affect risk factor levels throughout life and may have an even greater impact in older people. Moderate reductions in saturated fat and salt intake, which lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, can have a significant impact on reducing cardiovascular disease. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake by one or two servings per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.
Points on the Relationship Between Elderly Nutrition and Diseases
To further understand the importance of the relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases, it is necessary to state a few other important points. These points are as follows:
- Consumption of natural and fresh foods: Preferably use natural and fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and low-processed dairy products.
- Maintaining a balanced diet: Nutrition should include a variety of foods that contain protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
- Control the consumption of sweets and high-sugar foods: Consumption of sweets such as sugar, sweets, carbonated drinks and high-sugar food products should be limited to prevent an increase in blood sugar.
- Consume enough water: Consuming enough water is important to maintain the body’s water system and prevent dry skin and is effective in the overall functioning of the body.
- Control salt intake: Minimize salt intake and use natural alternatives such as spices and herbal flavors.
- Monitor your fat intake: Choosing healthy fats such as vegetable oils, nuts, avocados, and fatty fish helps maintain cardiovascular health.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight for your age, physical activity, and health status can help prevent chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements: Taking essential vitamin and mineral supplements when necessary can help boost your health, but it is best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
- The importance of exercise: Exercise helps strengthen muscles, maintain flexibility, and improve cardiovascular function. Choose the right exercise for your health.
- Consult your doctor: Consult your doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet, especially if you have health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Concluding Remarks
In this article, we discussed the relationship between elderly nutrition and diseases. In general, older people are very vulnerable to malnutrition and other diseases. In addition, the effort to provide adequate nutrition faces many practical difficulties. In older people, nutritional needs are not well defined. As both lean body mass and basal metabolic rate decrease, the energy requirement of older people per kilogram of body weight also decreases.
The aging process also affects other nutritional needs. For example, the need for some nutrients may decrease, while some data suggest that the need for other essential nutrients may increase. There is now a growing demand worldwide for WHO guidelines that national authorities can use to meet the nutritional needs of the growing elderly population. We hope that this guide will help you to follow the nutritional advice of older people.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts! What’s your take on this topic? Comment below and join the conversation; your opinion could spark new ideas!
FAQs
How do Nutritional Needs Change as We Age?
Healthy eating becomes increasingly important as we age, as aging brings with it a variety of changes, including nutrient deficiencies, decreased quality of life, and adverse health outcomes. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help prevent deficiencies and other age-related changes. For example, eating nutrient-rich foods and taking the right supplements can help you stay healthy as you age.
How Does Aging Affect Nutritional Needs?
Aging is accompanied by a variety of changes in the body, including muscle loss, thinning skin, and decreased stomach acid. Some of these changes can make you more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, while others can affect your senses and quality of life. Another challenge of aging is reduced calorie needs, which unfortunately creates a nutritional dilemma. Older adults need to get enough nutrients while consuming fewer calories. Fortunately, eating a variety of whole foods and taking supplements can help meet these nutritional needs.