life cycle nutrition adulthood and the later years

Life Cycle Nutrition

Adulthood and the Later Years

Life Cycle Nutrition• Life expectancy

– Women• African American: 76• Caucation: 81

– Men• African American: 69• Caucation: 75

• Life span: If you live longer...you live longer.• Longevity: 130 years possible

Aging Of The U.S. Population

Observation of Older Adults

• Quality of life: How do you feel?

• Healthy habits– Physiological age– Chronological age

Very different...

“It’s not the years, honey,

its the milage!”

REM: If Indy said it,

then it must be true!

How do they do it?

• Some people just stay younger...or do they?– Adequate sleep?– Adequate nutrition?– Motion?– Smoke, drink excessively– Too big? Too small?

Manipulation Of Diet• Energy restriction in animals: low

fat?? – Benefits include reduced

athersclerosis, insulin sensitivity, lower BP, lower body temp. and reduced oxygen consumption...

Manipulation Of Diet• Energy restriction in animals: low

fat?? – Benefits include reduced

athersclerosis, insulin sensitivity, lower BP, lower body temp. and reduced oxygen consumption...

Manipulation Of Diet• Energy restriction in humans: low

fat??• Would it work?

– Eat less? Less than what? Less than what you want, or less than average of population?

– Starvation....bad.– Do you eat less, or move more?– Do you have to lose weight?

– 10% less seems to be a good starting point!

The Aging Process

• Stress:• How does your body respond?

– Increased heartrate, adrenaline, sweating...– Over time this compromises your immune system,

health, etc.

The Aging Process• Physiological changes

– Body weight– Body composition: increase in

fat, decrease in muscle.•Sarcopenia-loss of skeletal muscle as we age.

The Aging Process• Physiological changes

– Immune system...again we see age compromises it. Flu shot anyone?

– GI tract-inflammation common.• Dysphagia-difficulty

swallowing...congestive heart failure?

• Tooth loss: – Oops!!– Yeah..its funny when it happends to a

dragon!– Sensory loss: sight, taste, hearing...

The Aging Process• Other changes

– Psychological changes– Economic changes– Social changes

Energy And Nutrient Needs of Older Adults

• Water

Energy And Nutrient Needs of Older Adults

• Energy and energy nutrients– Protein– Carbohydrate and fiber– FatThese are even more important

now that they were before!

Energy And Nutrient Needs of Older Adults

• Vitamins and minerals

– Vitamin B12- can be an issue if you have atrophic gastritis (chronic stomach inflammation caused by low HCl/intrinsic factor levels)

– Vitamin D-often low due to lack of dairy intake– Calcium-if not dairy, then juices!– Iron

Energy And Nutrient Needs of Older Adults

• Nutrient supplements

Energy And Nutrient Needs of Older Adults

Nutrition-Related Concerns Of Older Adults

• Cataracts and macular degeneration– Preventative nutrition includes antioxidants,

zinc and lutein, zeaxanthin (vitamin A)– DHA might also help prevent degeneration!

Nutrition-Related Concerns Of Older Adults

• Arthritis– Osteoarthritis– Rheumatoid arthritis– Treatment

The AgingBrain

The Aging Brain• Senile dementia

• Alzheimer’s disease– senile plaques– neurofibrillary tangles

Choices

Choices

Risk

Food Assistance Programs

• Elderly Nutrition Program– Congregate meals– Meals on Wheels

Meals For Singles• Spend wisely

• Be creative