In: Nursing
a) Dehydration is the most common cause of fluid and electrolyte imbalance for most of the older adults. Good hydration will enhance the feeling of wellness and reduce the use of medication, also prevent the illness.
b) Diet and lifestyle coupled with maintanance of healthy body weight is very important and crucial for older adults. For example cut off salt and sugar from the diet. Sometimes a good nutrition will become less important with age. Bereavement, social isolation can influence the diet.
c) The factors contribute to the malnutrition in older adults include:
Age related changes like taste, smell, appetite etc which alters on aging
Illness have major role in malnutrition
Difficulties in chewing, swallowing etc
Reduced social contact and limited access of food
Some medication can alters the absorption of nutrients.
Alcoholism
d) Anaemia is considered as one of risk factors for adverse outcomes in elderly. According to a study conducted, after the fifth decade there were progressive and marked decrease in the b levels to an average of 12.9 g in men between 80 and 90 years of age.