NUTRITION NEEDS OF

Older Adults

MY PLATE PRESENTATIONSUSAN WALTERS R.D.

DEFINITIONS Of Older Adults

Elderly : 65+ OR 75+YEARS

Senior Citizens : Wide range 55,60,62 or 65years

Geriatric: Based on Impairments

1. Falls

2. Immobility 65+ PROBLEMS

3. Incontinence 75+ No concerns

4. Impaired Intellect

(Calories) (Calories)

Sedentary 1600 2000

Average 1800 2200-2400

Active 2000-2200 2400-2600

How many calories???

Activity Female 51+ Males 51+

MALNUTRITION : Hidden Epidemic

IN USA

CALORIE NEEDS DECREASE WITH AGE

LEARN TO BALANCE NUTRIENTS/CALORIES

ANY BODY SIZE CAN BE MALNOURISHED

Average, Overweight or Thin-defined by

culture and personal life experiences

Definition of Malnutrition

Lack of adequate intake caused by:

Not enough Food to Eat

Not eating the right foods

Unable to digest and metabolize nutrients

Who are at risk and why?

ALL PEOPLE AS WE AGE HAVE CHANGES

1 Needs decrease for calories

2 GI changes

3 Inability to shop or cook

4 Decreased appetite

5 Weakened immune system

Sarcopinia

Disease in older adults that results

In actual muscle mass loss

Changes are subtle and occur over time

Weight loss, poor appetite and muscle

loss

To determine nutritional adequacy

Ask open ended questions

Ask questions regarding health changes

Has your weight changed in past year?

Have you had any recent surgeries?

Any new medical problems?

Any nonhealing skin

Rate your energy 1-10 ( Ten the best)

Observations and Questions

Look to see if there is any obvious muscle wasting in the face, shoulders or clavicle

Obvious signs of dehydration: severe thirst

or dry mouth, and decreased urine output.

Sometimes Mistaken for Hunger- Dehydration

Ask about fluid intake

American Academy of Family

Physicians

Assessing Nutritional health

Questions to ask in non-threatening manor.

Tool for Assessing Nutritional

Health

Be specific with questions

Don’t ask How is your appetite? “Fine”

Weight Loss: Ask a Specific Amount Of TIME

Handout with Questions

Ways to Improve Intake

Increased spices rather than salt

Large variety of colors and foods

Serve nutrient dense and Soft Foods

eggs meatloaf

cheeses pasta

casseroles beef, turkey, chicken

milk yogurt

Appropriate snacks for Health

Fruits and vegetables

Low Fat Foods

Sweet but not high in added

sugar

Crunchy but not high in Fat

Snack Ideas

More suggestions on

Eat Right Handout

Supplements?

Do not need Ensure or Boost

Make your own with Carnation Instant Breakfast

and whole milk

Add Protein Powders to shakes

Make Fruit Smoothies / Have Cold and available

Add fruits and nuts to salads

Vitamin supplements

Don’t need if good diet and it is balanced

Safest to ask MD before starting any

supplements .May have medication interactions

Don’t take vitamins in high doses just meet 100%

More is not better and may waste money.

Don’t count on vitamins rather than good foods

Diet Restrictions Due to Diseases

Diabetes

Cardiac

Renal

Hypertension

Gastric acid reflux

Poor Dental status

Big Question?????

When do diet restrictions STOP

Or can we be less strict??

Aim for Healthy Eating Habits

Summary

Be creative with cooking

Make mealtimes special

Colorful Foods and Variety

Try new foods and involve residents in

meal planning and preparation

Think nutrition!!1

My Plate

What Happened to Basic 4 Food Groups?

Why did we change? What about the Pyramid?

My Plate started in June 2011 after 19 years

with the pyramids

Why? To give a visual Guideline for Parents

5 Food Groups

Grains 5-6 servings

Protein 6-8 ounces

Fruits 2 cups

Vegetables 2-3 cups

Dairy 2-3 cups

Guidelines for 50+ years

General Guidelines

Build a healthy Plate

Reduce Sugars ,Fats and Salt

Portion control is Important

Be Physically Active

Nutrition Needs of Older Adults

Did we Answer the Question?

What do we know now?

Nutrient dense foods are needed with

decreased intake at meals

Malnutrition can be a problem for poor

appetites, or poor choices

Variety of foods and colorful meals may help

appetite

My Plate serves as a visual guide for foods