what are the factors affecting nutrition in elderly

9 Factors Affecting Nutrition in Older Adults

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What factors can effect nutrition in the elderly people?

Ten Factors That Affect an Older Adult's Nutrition

• Financial Status. The inability to afford food is a factor that makes it difficult to get adequate nutrition if you're an older adult.
• Appetite. ...
• Dental Health. ...
• Ability to Swallow. ...
• Eating Alone. ...
• Mental and Psychological Health. ...
• Disease. ...
• Ability to Shop and Cook. ...
• Medications. ...
• Taste and Smell. ...

What nutrients do the elderly need?

• Vitamin D helps maintain bone health. ...
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) keeps the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. ...
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) aids in the production of neurotransmitters. ...
• Vitamin B9 (folate, or its synthetic form folic acid) has been shown in studies to slow or prevent memory loss in people over 60. ...

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What are the Best Foods for the elderly?

Soft Food Meals for the Elderly

1. Macaroni and Cheese. Mac and Cheese is a favorite for many people and it can be dressed up by adding small pieces of meats and vegetables to it.
2. Soups. There are all types of soups to choose from. ...
3. Mashed Potatoes. ...
4. Pureed Foods. ...
5. Steamed Soft Vegetables. ...
6. Flaky Fish. ...
7. Lean Meats. ...
8. Fresh Fruits. ...
9. Scrambled Eggs. ...
10. Oatmeal. ...

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What nutrient is important for an elderly?

The Most Important Nutrients for Aging Adults

• Calcium. Calcium is a vital nutrient that builds and maintains strong bones. ...
• Vitamin B12. Though people of all ages need vitamin B12, it’s especially important for the elderly. ...
• Vitamin D. For your loved one’s body to properly absorb calcium, he or she needs to get the proper amount of vitamin D in the diet.
• Potassium. ...

What are the 5 factors that affect nutrition?

Biological factors include age, gender, growth, disease states, and genetic makeup. Among the nonbiological factors, socio-economic status is the most important. Poverty is one of the major socio-economic causes of variation in nutrient intake, and it also impacts nutrient requirements.

What factors make it difficult for the elderly to get good nutrition?

Mental and emotional factors—Mental illness, such as depression, dementia, and social isolation affect many elders and can dampen their desire and ability to eat. Financial insecurity—Financial problems can make it difficult for many older adults to get the nutrition they need.

What are the factors that affect the appetite of elderly?

Poverty, loneliness, and social isolation are the predominant social factors that contribute to decreased food intake in the elderly. Depression, often associated with loss or deterioration of social networks, is a common psychological problem in the elderly and a significant cause of loss of appetite.

What are the 4 factors that can affect your nutrition?

Biological determinants such as hunger, appetite, and taste. Economic determinants such as cost, income, availability. Physical determinants such as access, education, skills (e.g. cooking) and time. Social determinants such as culture, family, peers and meal patterns.

What are 8 factors affecting nutrition in the elderly?

What Are the Factors Affecting Nutrition in the ElderlyMental Health. Mental status is a big factor with older adults, as the state of mind can greatly affect appetite. ... Taste and Smell. ... Financial State. ... Diminished Appetite. ... Dental health. ... Metabolism. ... Eating and Swallowing Problems. ... Timely healthy meals.More items...

What are the factors related to nutritional problems?

Nutritional risk factors, which are extrinsic factors that influence nutritional status and place an older person at increased risk for poor nutrition, include multiple medications, social isolation /eating alone most of the time, oral/dental problems, difficulty in the preparation of meals, difficulty in shopping for ...

How does poor nutrition affect the elderly?

Malnutrition leaves our elderly vulnerable to infection, slower recovery time, and slower wound healing. It also causes weight and muscle loss that can lead to frailty, balance issues, falls, broken bones, disability, and loss of independence.

How does age affect nutritional needs?

Older adults generally have lower calorie needs, but similar or even increased nutrient needs compared to younger adults. This is often due to less physical activity, changes in metabolism, or age-related loss of bone and muscle mass.

What nutrients do elderly people need less of?

Vitamin B12 “Getting enough B12 is a challenge for older people because they can't absorb it from food as well as younger people," says Tucker. "Even if your diet contains enough, you may be falling short."

What are the 6 variables that affect nutrition needs?

6 Factors That Affect Your Nutritional Needs6 FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS. Increasing numbers of us are avoiding certain foods due to allergies, intolerances or for religious or ethical reasons. ... GUT HEALTH. ... STAGE OF LIFE. ... LOCATION. ... FITNESS. ... MEDICATIONS.

What are the physical changes that affects the nutritional status of the elderly?

Physiological Changes Dry mouth (xerostomia) is common, making swallowing difficult with subsequent avoidance of foods. Malabsorption of essential nutrient may result as a result of gastrointestinal changes such as atrophic gastritis. Gastric emptying slows with aging with a potential detrimental effect on appetite.

What are 12 factors that influence food choices?

Factors that Drive Food ChoicesTaste, texture, and appearance. Individuals have a wide range of tastes which influence their food choices, leading some to dislike milk and others to hate raw vegetables. ... Economics. ... Early food experiences. ... Habits. ... Culture. ... Geography. ... Advertising. ... Social factors.More items...

What are the barriers that prevent aged people from having a good diet?

Their most common barriers to eating healthy food included ease of access to unhealthy foods, lack of time to cook and prepare healthy foods, and lack of motivation to cook [17].

What do you think are the problems of the elderly regarding nutrition and hydration?

For older people in hospital, poor nutrition and hydration care can result in a loss of functional independence, delayed recovery from surgery, falls, infection, slow wound healing, delirium, frailty and increased mortality1.

What are some conditions which may occur from poor nutrition and inadequate hydration in the older population?

Older people are vulnerable to malnutrition which is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality [18]. Increased falls, vulnerability to infection, loss of energy and mobility, poor wound healing and confusion are reported consequences of undernutrition [19].

Why are older adults at risk for malnutrition?

Older adults are more likely to have chronic conditions that put them at risk for malnutrition. Cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions can impact appetite, make eating difficult, change metabolism, and require dietary restrictions.

Why is it important to taste and smell food?

The ability to taste and smell food are an important part of appetite and nutrition. Older adults, however, have fewer taste buds than their young counterparts, and their sense of smell diminishes with age. These changes can negatively affect appetite, change food preferences, and affect overall nutritional status.

Why does appetite decrease with age?

Appetite tends to decline with age for several reasons including changes to the digestive system, hormones, and senses ( 1 ).

What will happen to the elderly in 2020?

September 17, 2020. Aging is linked to a variety of changes in your body, including muscle loss, mild cognitive decline, and decreased sense of taste and smell. These changes can make it more difficult for older adults to meet their nutritional needs. Consequently, poor nutrition increases older adults’ risk of malnutrition, falls and fractures, ...

Why do older adults have dwindling appetites?

Lower energy requirements and certain medications can also contribute to older adults’ dwindling appetite. Moreover, older adults tend to get fuller, quicker, further decreasing appetite and food intakes. This makes focusing on nutrient-dense foods important. 2. Dental health.

Why is it important to have regular dental visits?

Regular and routine dental visits and cleanings as well as good oral hygiene at home is necessary for good nutrition and health.

What are the factors that affect the health of older adults?

Unfortunately, there are several factors affecting nutrition in older adults such as dwindling appetites, poor oral health, and chronic diseases. Recognizing these factors and intervening as appropriate is key for ensuring proper nutrition and health with age.

What are the effects of depression in older adults?

Depression in older adults can result in dehydration, malnutrition, and physical illnesses.

How to improve your appetite as an older adult?

Eating Alone. Eating in isolation is a factor that can have a negative affect on your nutrition as an older adult. If you often eat alone, eat with others to improve your appetite and increase the amount of food you eat. Find a meal program for seniors by contacting your local senior center, attend an adult day-care center or invite friends, ...

Why is my appetite so low in older adults?

Theories include a decreasing ability to regulate food intake, altered levels of hormones that influence appetite and changes in the central nervous system that decrease certain neurotransmitters affecting how much you eat. Appetite can also be affected by medications or other factors. Consult your doctor if you or an older adult you know has a poor appetite.

How do medications affect nutrition?

Medications. Medications can affect nutrition by causing side effects such as decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, malabsorption of nutrients and alterations in taste and smell.

Why is it bad for older people to eat?

If you're an older adult who suffers from an acute or chronic disease, you could be at risk for poor nutrition. Malnutrition can result from many medical conditions including emphysema, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, cancer, an overactive thyroid and urinary or respiratory infections.

What are the causes of weight loss in older adults?

Mental and psychological factors can affect your nutrition. Depression is a common cause of weight loss and malnutrition in older adults. Stress and anxiety can also cause you to eat less than you need. Dementia and confusion can impair an older adult's desire to eat and their ability to feed themselves by interfering with choosing which foods ...

What does an elderly woman shop for?

An elderly woman shops for vegetables at the supermarket. Image Credit: ImageegamI/iStock/Getty Images. As an older adult, your nutrition is affected by many factors. Even though it becomes increasingly important to get more calcium, fiber, protein and other nutrients, it can be more difficult to do so. Nutrition in older adults is affected by ...

Why do older people have a decreased taste?

Reduced ability to taste may also result from a decreased number of taste buds or the malfunction of receptors involved in the sensation of taste.

Why do people have less appetite?

Many people have less appetite and eat less as they age, making it difficult to get all the nutrients they need for good health , according to Alberta Caregiver College. Additionally, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that 5 to 10 percent of adults over age 45 have iron-deficiency anemia due to difficulty chewing and loss of appetite for meat. Vitamin supplements and a change in the way food is prepared, such as using different spices, may help fill in the nutritional gaps and make food more appetizing.

Why is it so hard to prepare nutritious meals for older adults?

Planning and preparing nutritious meals becomes increasingly difficult with advancing age. Older adults may not get all the nutrients and sustenance they need due to a variety of physical, psychological and situational factors. The good news is that many of the factors that affect an older person’s nutrition don’t have to impact health ...

Why can't older adults absorb vitamins?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly common because the digestive tract of an older adult doesn’t absorb this vitamin well, which can increase the risk of depression and dementia.

How many calories should an elderly person consume?

Calories from fats should be limited to between 20 and 35 percent of an older adult’s diet and most of the fats should be heart-healthy unsaturated.

What is the best diet for a person with heart disease?

A diet that protects against heart disease limits saturated fat and salt, while incorporating walnuts, almonds, avocados, olive or canola oil and potassium-rich foods, such as bananas and low-fat milk. Calories from fats should be limited to between 20 and 35 percent of an older adult’s diet and most of the fats should be heart-healthy unsaturated.

What happens to estrogen during menopause?

Menopause and Prostate Problems. As estrogen production declines, women lose bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Annual decreases of 3 to 5 percent per year frequently occur in the first few years of menopause, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Can seniors get free food?

food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, can help by providing low-income people access to free food. For seniors with disability or transportation issues, delivery-meal services, such as Meals on Wheels, bring nutritious, prepared meals to people who can’t get out. According to MealCall.org, most are affordable for older adults and some seniors may quali fy for free meals.

Why is it so hard to eat when you are old?

As older people become malnourished and lose weight, their dentures may not fit correctly, making it even more difficult to eat. Swallowing problems also affect many older adults, making eating difficult. Loss of physical strength or mobility —Elders who are frail or immobile are often unable to shop and cook.

What are some services that seniors can use to maintain their health?

Research shows that meal services, such as Meals on Wheels, can improve or help maintain nutritional status in seniors. Contact your local town or city hall, department of health, or community hospital to find out what services are available in your area.

What is the first step to take for someone who is experiencing malnutrition?

If you or someone you care for is experiencing malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, the best first step is to see the doctor, who may be able to diagnose an underlying condition or alter a medication regimen that may be contributing to the problem.

Why do older people lose appetite?

Several factors can cause malnutrition in older adults, including the following: Loss of appetite —Older adults lose their appetites for many reasons, such as having a medical condition, having a mental health problem, or taking certain medications. Decreased sense of taste and/or smell —Many of the conditions ...

What to do instead of mashed potatoes?

Make Meals Colorful and Appealing. Instead of regular mashed potatoes, try mashed sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutritious boost. Instead of plain buttered noodles, try pasta with a vibrant red tomato sauce.

What can you put wheat germ on?

Sprinkle wheat germ into hot and cold cereals, and add it to baked goods, such as breads and muffins.

What can you add to hot cereal?

Stir powdered skim milk into milk, milkshakes, and cold and hot cereals. Add honey, molasses, or maple syrup to hot cereal. Sprinkle wheat germ into hot and cold cereals, and add it to baked goods, such as breads and muffins.

What is the best tool for assessing nutritional status in elderly?

In the UK the most widely used screening tool is the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), a five step screening tool that includes guidelines for the formulation of a care plan. Across Europe the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool (MNA-SF) is more widely used and was developed specifically for use in older adult. The MNA-SF detected undernutrition in frail elderly in greater numbers than MUST [27]. These differences highlight the disparity between screening tools, and may suggest that MUST is less useful in this group. Both tools collect slightly different information; MUST develops a risk of malnutrition score based upon current body mass index (BMI), known weight loss and the presence of acute disease/no nutritional intake for 5 days. MNA-SF, includes similar questions to the MUST with additional questions on neuropsychological functional status, physical mobility and food intake.

How do supplements affect weight?

Nutritionally complete supplements are often a first line intervention and have been shown to have a positive effect on nutritional status [32] but mixed effects on body weight. In one study provision of an additional 600 kcal per day by supplements over a 12 week period resulted in a mean weight gain of +3.5 kg in intervention subjects (p< 0.001) [33]. The review by Potter and colleagues, quantified effects on body weight as 2.05% (95% CI 1.63 to 2.49) [32]. In contrast other studies report significant increases in energy and food intake but no significant weight gain [34,35,36,37,38,39]. However the efficacy of supplements is limited by taste intolerance which precludes their long-term use [34]. Evaluation of their efficacy in community settings in limited [40].

How does eating at home help older people?

Meeting the diet and nutrition needs of older people is crucial for the maintenance of health, functional independence and quality of life. For some living at home an approach as simple as the provision of meals has been shown to be sufficient to improve nutritional status. Improvements in dietary patterns and nutrient intakes were observed in those in receipt of home delivered meals in comparison to those not receiving meals [29]. A study which looked at the effect of two models of “Meals on Wheels” on the nutritional status of housebound older adults found improvements in both groups over a 6 month period. The greatest improvements were seen in the group who received the enhanced programme of meals which included three meals and two snacks per day [30]. However provision of meals alone may not ensure that nutritional needs are met. In one study two thirds of people in receipt of meals at home divided the meals provided for use on more than one occasion, suggesting continued overall insufficient food intake [31].

Why is it important to meet the nutritional needs of older people?

Meeting the diet and nutrition needs of older people is therefore crucial for the maintenance of health, functional independence and quality of life. While many older adults remain healthy and eat well those in poorer health may experience difficulties in meeting their nutritional needs.

What are the consequences of malnutrition?

Older people are vulnerable to malnutrition which is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality [18]. Increased falls, vulnerability to infection, loss of energy and mobility, poor wound healing and confusion are reported consequences of undernutrition [19]. In the UK the health and social care costs associated with undernutrition are reported at around £13 billion per annum [20]. Malnutrition is common in all types of institutional care settings, however much of the malnutrition present on admission to institutions is thought likely to originate in the community among free living older adults. In the UK the prevalence of malnutrition in patients admitted to hospital from home is reported to be 23% [20]. A small US study which aimed to improve the recognition of undernutrition in community dwelling older adults identified 4% with malnutrition and a further 56% at high risk [21]. Social deprivation is one of many factors likely to contribute to this. Those with low incomes are known to have a poorer diet than the more affluent [22] and patients at risk of malnutrition on admission to hospital were found more likely to have come from areas of deprivation [23]. In Scotland around 16% of older people (>65 years) currently live in poverty [24].

How many older people live in poverty in Scotland?

In Scotland around 16% of older people (>65 years) currently live in poverty [24]. Whilst undernutrition may be considered a greater risk to health in older people, obesity also increases morbidity and mortality from diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Why is diet important for aging?

Diet and lifestyle, coupled with maintenance of a healthy body weight are important in the maintenance of health for all age groups but are crucial for healthy aging. Maintaining a good nutritional status has significant implications for health and wellbeing, delaying and reducing the risk of developing disease, maintaining functional independence and thus promoting continued independent living [3].

How can malnutrition be addressed in the elderly?

Malnutrition in the elderly could be tackled by addressing socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the malnutrition or malnutrition risk (MR) in the elderly. The PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched for observational studies that included assessment of malnutrition or/and MR and socioeconomic variables (educational level, living alone, marital status, income and occupational level, feeling of loneliness, place of residence, and food expenditure) in ≥60-year-old subjects, published in English among 2000–2018 (PROSPERO: CRD42019137097). The systematic review included 40 observational studies (34 cross-sectional and 4 cohort studies) and 16 cross-sectional studies in the meta-analysis (34,703 individuals) of malnutrition and MR in relation to low educational level (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.48; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.33–1.64; p< 0.001), living alone (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.73–2.14; p< 0.001), being single, widowed, or divorced (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.57–1.90; p< 0.001), and low income level (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 2.35–3.08; p< 0.001), and considering these four socioeconomic factors, malnutrition and MR is associated with them (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.73–1.93; p< 0.001). Malnutrition and MR could be reduced by increasing economic level, supporting people living alone or being single, widowed, and divorced, and improving lifelong learning.

What is the main objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis?

The main objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess and determine the magnitude of the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the malnutrition or malnutrition risk in the elderly ≥60 years old.

What are the factors that contribute to malnutrition?

Thus, the hypothesis was that social and economic factors—such as low educational level, living alone, being single, widowed, or divorced, low income level, low previous (before 60 years old) or current occupational level, feeling of loneliness, living in rural areas, and low food expenditure— are related to malnutrition and malnutrition risk in the elderly.

What is the best tool to diagnose malnutrition?

According to the ESPEN, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is the most effective tool for screening and evaluating the risk of malnutrition in the elderly [6,10,11], composed of four areas related to anthropometry, clinical status (illness, medications, psychological stress, neuropsychological problems), dietary assessment, and self-perception about health and nutrition [10]. Other tools used to assess the risk of malnutrition include the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MUST) and the Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS), but these do not include the evaluation of important malnutrition risk factors such as functional, psychological, and cognitive parameters [10].

What is the aging of the population?

Nowadays, the aging of the population is a consequence of the increase in life expectancy [1]. In Europe, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%, with a different distribution of gender and by country [2].

Why were studies that did not meet inclusion criteria excluded?

Additionally, studies that only included populations with illness or comorbidities were also excluded in order to focus on the general population, who was not selected taking into account a specific disease, to be able to generalize the results.

Can malnutrition affect quality of life?

Consequently, a state of malnutrition can cause an impairment of quality of life, especially in the elderly, and can lead to increased healthcare costs and hospital stays [12].