AGING
Aging occurs at different rates with
different people
DO NOT STEREOTYPE !!
DIET/NUTRITION
AGING
GENERAL
HEALTH
ORAL
HEALTH
NUTRITION AND AGING

aging mechanisms not well understood

nutrition influences the aging process.

malnutrition increases disease risk

good diet may delay chronic diseases.
Adequate Nutrition
can
 Improve
tolerance and response to
treatment
 improve immune response
 promote healing
 reduce complications
 improve quality of life
Types of Changes
 physiological
 oral
 psychological
 functional
AGE-RELATED
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

Rate of aging differs with individuals
and organs and tissues

Progressive decline/changes in many
organ systems and associated functions
Physiological Changes

Increase in Adipose Tissue/Decrease in
Lean Body Mass

Decrease in Basal Metabolism/Decrease
in Calorie Requirement

Kidney changes lead to decrease in total
body water
Physiological Changes




Impaired Digestion
• lactose intolerance
Malabsorption (B-12)
Changes in Nutrient
Utilization
Impaired Elimination
• constipation
POSSIBLE RESULTS
Overt malnutrition
Latent malnutrition
Laxative Abuse
Dehydration
Gastrointestinal
Disorders

Atrophy of gastric mucosa leads to
achlorhydria (25% of those over age 60)

Result is bacterial overgrowth and
malabsorption of protein, calcium, B-12 folic
acid and non-heme iron

Bowel disease leads to altered motility,
constipation, decreased appetite and possibly
laxative abuse
ORAL CHANGES

Decreased Taste & Smell Sensitivity
• Atrophy of gustatory papillae leads to
decreased taste
• Olefaction (smell ability) decreased with age
– (Only 32% of 70 year olds can smell as well as
young adults)
• Many drugs decrease taste and smell

Decreased Salivary Function
• (xerostomia from drugs)
ORAL SOFT TISSUE AND BONE
PROBLEMS

Impaired Healing or Tissue Fragility
(Vitamin deficiencies, e.g., Vitamin C)
(Vitamin toxicities, e.g., Vitamin A)

Increased Alveolar Ridge Resorption
(Calcium, Vitamin D)
ORAL CAVITY

Loss of teeth leads
to poor chewing
ability and
decreased appetite

Dentures do not
improve perceptual
response
Dentures are the MAJOR cause of deaths from choking !!!!
Root Caries

Multiple meds
xerostomia

Smoking cessation

Hard candies and
breath lozenges
Periodontal Disease
Disease
Disease
Attack
Defense
Functional Changes
Affecting Eating

Decline in Manual Dexterity (Arthritis, Paralysis,
Amputation can affect eating, cooking, carrying food)

Decreased Vision or Hearing
Psychological Influences

Depression anorexia due to loneliness, poor
health, lack of money or mobility

Decreased concern for the importance of food
and eating to health and well being
POTENTIAL RESULTS
Possible Results

Malnutrition

Alcohol Abuse

Dehydration
Alcohol can be a Problem
50% + of Americans over 60 drink
regularly
 5-10% drink heavily
 alcohol can replace food and decrease
appetite
 alcohol can contribute to neurological
and memory problems
 can cause physical problems (liver
etc.)

Nutrition Requirements for
Seniors

Needs Increase for:
• calcium, vitamin D, vitamins B-6 and B-12

Needs Decrease for:
• vitamin A, calories
Senior Nutrition Concerns

total food intake (calories) - ask about weight
changes

food choices: (“tea and toast syndrome”)
see elder food pyramid

specific nutritional issues such as ---------
Vitamin B-12

Achlorhydria (low stomach acid)
low absorption
increased bacteria
competing for B-12
Deficiency results in:
damage to myelin sheath
impeded electrical impulses
poor balance and sensations of feeling
dementia and confusion
Iron Deficiency Anemia

almost 1/2 of healthy 60+ year old women
had iron deficiency

resulting in: breathlessness, fatigue, frequent
infections, concentration problems

T-cell production for fighting infection was up
to 50% less than women with normal iron
N Ahluwalia, Penn State, 4th European Nutrition Congress 2004
24 hour Recall

Breakfast: coffee & donut

Milk group? (calcium & vit. D)

Lunch: bouillon,

Fruits & vegs ?
(vitamins, antioxidants)

Meat,fish etc. ?
(protein)

Fiber ?
roll & butter
tea

Dinner: Spaghetti & sauce
tea
Bedtime: crackers & jam
Supplements



increase response to infection
about 100 men & women aged 68-86 had multivitamin
with 100% DRI for vits. & mins.
Results: half the infections
•half the days on antibiotics
•increased antibodies
•lowered vitamin & mineral deficiencies
 seniors
take wrong supplements
 Recommend:
multivitamin/mineral