Overview
This lecture discusses key nutrition-related health concerns for older adults, including medication use, mobility, eye disease, Alzheimer's, food insecurity, psychosocial issues, and supportive interventions.
Medication Use in Older Adults
- Polypharmacy, or taking multiple medications, is common in older adults (average 5+ meds/day).
- Increased medication use raises the risk of side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues affecting food intake.
- Drug-nutrient and drug-herb interactions can impact medication effectiveness and health.
Mobility and Chronic Health Conditions
- About one-third of older adults have mobility-limiting disabilities.
- Conditions like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can reduce diet quality and food access.
- Healthy diets (omega-3s for arthritis, calcium for osteoporosis) can help manage some chronic conditions.
Eye Disease and Nutrition
- Eye diseases (e.g., macular degeneration) are common in aging and can worsen nutrition.
- Antioxidant-rich foods (vitamins C and E) may slow eye disease progression.
Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's is an irreversible brain disorder with genetic and lifestyle risk factors.
- Poor nutrition is common due to memory loss and dependence on others.
- Quality nutrition and the "MIND diet" can help prevent or delay Alzheimer's onset.
Food Insecurity
- 10-15% of older adults face food insecurity, especially women and minorities.
- Causes include limited finances, transportation, and inability to prepare meals.
- The pandemic has worsened food insecurity among older adults.
Psychosocial Factors and Alcohol Abuse
- Depression is common and linked to decreased appetite and self-care.
- Older adults have higher rates of alcohol abuse and are more sensitive to its effects.
- Alcohol increases the risk of depression, falls, and injury.
Nutrition Support Programs and Strategies
- SNAP, food pantries, and Meals on Wheels provide food and nutritional support.
- Meals on Wheels offers one meal/day, meeting one-third of daily nutrient requirements and supporting social connection.
- Congregate meal programs support nutrition and socialization but are limited during the pandemic.
- Strategies to improve nutrition include using seasonings, convenient foods, high-protein shakes, and meal delivery.
- Encouraging time together and social interaction helps combat loneliness and depression.
Physical Activity in Older Adults
- Regular exercise slows aging, improves physical and mental health, and preserves independence.
- Recommendations: 150 minutes/week of cardio and resistance training.
- Programs like Silver Sneakers and Ageless Grace are tailored for seniors.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Polypharmacy — taking multiple medications simultaneously.
- Food insecurity — lack of reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food.
- MIND diet — dietary plan combining Mediterranean and DASH diets to support brain health.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review textbook examples of drug-nutrient interactions.
- Explore the "MIND diet" for Alzheimer's prevention details.
- Prepare for the final exam using course notes and materials.