Why Is Nutrition Important In Older Patients?

Older adults are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular, metabolic and cancer-related diseases due to inadequate dietary intakes of nutrients; prolonged malnourishment results in rapid deterioration of health and early death. Healthy nutrition habits as you age are imperative not only for physical wellness, but also mental well-being and quality of life. Improving the nutrition habits of an elderly patient involves recognizing the physiological changes that impact appetite and creatively formulating a plan that works for the individual.

Prevent Malnourishment

Malnourishment in the elderly is serious and can result from too little food, lack of nutrient-rich foods or digestive problems preventing absorption of food nutrients. However, a combination of other factors, such as existing health problems, limited resources to buy or obtain food, and unappealing and restrictive diets might also initiate malnourishment. Fatigue, weakened immune system, accidental falls from muscular weakness and depression can result from malnourishment. To identify malnourishment in your older patient, observe eating habits; watch for signs of weight loss, poor wound healing or bruising; and take note of medications that might affect appetite.

Energy, Muscle Strength and Reducing Deficiency

Calories supply the body with energy to conduct normal activities, but an elderly person might not be highly active, so calorie intake must be adjusted to activity level. The majority of calories should come from carbohydrate-containing foods such as produce and whole grains. Complex carbs are especially important in aging to promote healthy blood glucose circulation, instead of rapid spikes followed by a glucose crash. Protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining muscular health, but absorption can decrease in the elderly. Lean proteins are optimal as part of balanced nutrition rather than high-fat proteins. Foods with high vitamin and mineral content, such as fruits and vegetables, also prevent deficiencies linked to anemia, bone mass deterioration, cognitive decline and heart disease.

Maintaining Healthy Weight

According to a 2002 review published in the "American Academy of Family Physicians," unintentional weight loss in the elderly patient should be treated in a comprehensive manner necessitating that the health care team not only identify underlying causes, but also implement strategies for improving food intake. Smell and taste sensations tend to decline with age, which might cause an increased use of salt, fat and sugar or diminished appetite. Use of nonsodium spices and herbs helps combat the taste changes and stimulate appetite. Frequent smaller meals of favored foods, and snacks in between meals, encourage nutrient intake instead of overwhelming the patient with large portions.

Tips For Care-Givers

Older patients might have trouble chewing and swallowing. Help your patient by cutting meats or grinding food if necessary. Encourage your patient to sit up straight when eating to make swallowing easier. Avoid serving elaborate gourmet meals and stick to what is familiar and enjoyable for your patient. To maintain adequate nutrition, encourage your patient to eat daily servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, dairy and lean meats, but remain aware of your patient's physician-advised dietary needs.