Nutrition for the Older Adult

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Nutrition for the Older Adult

• M. Burns
• FCS 3151

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Who are talking about?

• 3 Different Populations
• Young-Old
• Old-Old
• Oldest-Old
• Fastest growing segment of the senior population

• Number is steadily increasing
• 2000 12.4 of population was 65
• 2030 projected 20

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Eating habits are affected by
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Risk Factors Influencing Nutrition Status of
Older Adults

• Socioeconomic
• Psychological
• Environmental
• Physiological
• Polypharmacy
• Nutrient needs

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Cycle of Malnutrition
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Assessing Nutritional Status

• Anthropometrics
• Biochemical
• Clinical
• Dietary
• Emotional
• Functional
• Medication

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Risk factors for FAP

• lt8 main meals/week
• lt 1 c milk daily
• Little/no intake of F/V
• Wastage of food
• Long periods without food/beverage
• Depression/loneliness

• Unexpected weight change
• Shopping difficulties
• Low income
• Presence of disabilities, including alcoholism

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Healthy People 2010

• Reduce the prevalence and overall number of
  people who suffer from chronic diseases
• Increase the number receiving pneumonia and flu
  vaccinations
• Increase screening for select diseases

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How being accomplished?

• Primary interventions
• Prevention through health promotion
• Secondary interventions
• Screenings
• Tertiary interventions
• Minimize disabling effects

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Food Guide Pyramid for Older Americans
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Combating Malnutrition

• Health Promotion
• Worksite wellness
• Nutrition education
• Food Assistance Programs

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Food Assistance Programs

• USDA
• Adult Day Care
• Seniors Farmer Market Program
• Food Stamps

• DHHS
• Medicare/ medicaid
• Elderly Nutrition Program

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Food Stamp Program

• Food Stamp Act of 1977 (PL 95-113)
• Objective is to improve the diets of low-income
  households by increasing their food purchasing
  ability
• Eligibility and allotment based on Thrifty Food
  Plans

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Critical Thinking Moment

• Currently, about 10 of the FSP participants are
  older adults (60) with only 30 of the eligible
  participating.
• WHY?

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Elderly Nutrition Program

• Older Americans Act of 1965 with amendment in
  1972
• Congregate and home-delivered meals, therapeutic
  diets
• Benefits
• Eligibility over 60 years, not based on income