When considering whether people are getting the right nutrients they assume that it down to the diet they are eating but people may be surprised to find that there are many factors that affect our nutrient intake.
Surveys done on large scales in Britain, Australia and the USA show alarming deficiencies in the intake of vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, fibre, and total calories giving the most cause for concern
As we age the likelihood of becoming malnourished or developing illnesses as a result of poor nutrition significantly increases. There are many physiological, psychosocial, and socioeconomic factors that need to be taken into consideration when looking into elderly individuals nutrition.
Factors
Disease can severely impact nutrition amongst the elderly population. This is largely because diseases or viruses (e.g. the flu virus) can cause symptoms such as lack of appetite, and this may lead to individuals not receiving the nutrients that they need from their diet. There are a number of diseases that can affect an individual’s nutritional status and these include: liver disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. These diseases can affect the nutritional status of individuals because they can affect the levels of vitamins, minerals or hormones in the body. Illnesses such as cardiovascular disease can also limit the oxygen supply in the blood, causing areas of the body to become deoxygenated, and eventually this can cause muscles to deteriorate, which in turn can cause a number of additional health problems to the individual.
The ability to taste and smell decreases with age. This is because the taste buds and the nasal nerves that register aromas become less sensitive, and this means that they need extra stimulation. As a result of this individuals may become less interested in food. This in turn could cause an individual to miss out on key nutrients as they are not receiving enough from their diet.
Many older individuals need to take medication on a regular basis as a result of illness or ailments associated with ageing (e.g. arthritis). As a result of this it may cause problems with the individual’s ability to receive all of the nutrients that they need in order to stay healthy. This is largely because taking medication on a regular basis may affect an individual’s appetite and as a result they may not be receiving the necessary nutrients from their diet. Absorption and metabolism may also be slower in an individual who is taking medications regularly, and this means they may not be able to absorb all of the nutrients they need from their food and drink.
There are many other factors that could be involved in preventing older individual’s from receiving all of the nutrients that they need. These can include: cognitive functioning (individuals may forget to eat), education, income, and less muscle mass. As elderly individuals may not go out as much, there is also an increased likelihood of them becoming deficient in vitamin D and calcium.
Water can also be another significant factor over an individual’s nutrition status, this is largely because of a decreased thirst. This can cause a number of problems to an individual such as constipation. Ensuring a good fluid intake is vital for elderly individuals in order to prevent illness, and to ensure that they are maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Consumption of alcohol affects the absorption of nutrients, alcohol destroys the good bacteria in the stomach that was there to aid the absorption of the nutrients. The elderly are advised to limit their consumption of alcohol so that they absorb the nutrients they need.
People need to recognise, that as we age, our digestive system becomes less efficient and therefore we need to be conscious about our nutrient intake and if a deficiency in nutrients is suspected then it may be wise to consult with your doctor and taking nutrient supplements.
How Home Care Can Help
Implementing a homecare package may be beneficial for older individuals who are struggling to remain healthy as a result of lack of nutrients. This is because care workers will be able to help with all areas of daily living.
For example care workers would be able to encourage individuals to get out and about, and go for walks. This can be extremely beneficial for individuals as it can increase their intake of vitamin D. By going out for walks individuals would also feel healthier, and this in turn may allow them to lead more active lifestyles for longer.
Care Workers would also be able to prompt or help to prepare food at mealtimes. This can be extremely beneficial because it will ensure that individuals are maintaining a balanced diet, and are receiving all the nutrients that they need in order to stay healthy. The extra support surrounding mealtimes may help individuals to become more interested in food, and as a result individuals may start taking a more active approach to food. This may also lead to individuals trying new foods, as well as obtaining a better understanding about what is good for them, which means that they will be able to make healthier decisions for themselves.