Outline the physiological changes that occur as part of aging and discuss their impact on nutritional status

Answer 1

As the aging process occurs, lean muscle mass decreases, BMR decreases, and fat mass increases. Older adults need to reduce energy intake or increase activity level, or weight gain will occur. Age-related bone loss can make bones fragile. Older adults need adequate amounts of protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium. GI motility slows and absorption may be an issue due to the decrease in gastric secretions. They may have impaired absorption of iron, calcium, biotin, folate, vitamin B12, and zinc. They also may have issues with constipation due to decreased motility, so they need to increase fiber. Thirst sensation may be blunted, so older adults need to be sure to achieve an adequate intake of fluids—even more so if increasing fiber. Adequacy of food intake can be impacted by changes in taste, smell, and the ability to chew/ swallow or self-feed. Finally, multiple medications can cause nutrient-drug interactions that can impact nutritional status.