Question

The U.S. population is aging, which brings unique nutritional needs and concerns for older adults.

Instructions

Assume you work at a senior center and have been asked to develop a Tip Sheet for Seniors about nutrition for a senior centre who live at home, prepare their own meals, and are on limited incomes. TThis tip sheet will be distributed to the seniors themselves as well as their family members and other people in the community that may assist the seniors.

When writing your tip sheet, please address:

• potential problems associated with nutrition for this population
• health problems that could result from high or low nutrient intakes
• how the seniors or their family members can recognize potential nutrition-related problems quickly, and what can be done.

Answer 1

potential problems associated with nutrition for this population

• Loss of muscle tone
• Decreased bone mass
• Weak immune system
• Poor wound healing
• Lack of sleep
• Falls and fractures

health problems that could result from high or low nutrient intakes

High intakes

• High intake of fat leads to increased cholesterol levels and it results in coronary artery diseases
• High amount of carbohydrate intake leads to diabetes

Low intake

• low intake of nutritious diet leads to lethargy and dizziness
• It causes low bone strength
• Low intake of calcium and iron leads to decreased level of bone marrow that leads to weakness and results in fall and fractures

how the seniors or their family members can recognize potential nutrition-related problems quickly, and what can be done.

• Sudden increase or decrease in body weight can be identified easily
• By assesing the sleep patterns
• By following up with the physician regularly

In order to prevent issues related to nutrition it is important to have a teamwork of both health care team and family with the help of a physician or an experienced dietician.

By selecting appropriate meal plans and supplements can reduce many issues associated with malnutrition in old age.