Question

Frances is an 82-year-old woman who suffers from macular degeneration, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Since her husband died a year ago, she has moved from their family home to a small one-bedroom apartment. Her eyesight is progressively getting worse, making it difficult to go to the grocery store or even to cook (for fear of burning herself). She is often lonely; her only son lives an hour away and works two jobs, but he visits her as often as he can. Frances has lost her appetite and, as a result, often skips meals during the week. She has resorted to eating mostly cold foods. These are simple to prepare but seriously limit the variety and palatability of her overall intake. Also, she wears dentures and has trouble chewing tough meats and foods with crisp textures. She is slowly losing weight as a result of her eating patterns and loss of appetite. Her typical dietary intake usually consists of a breakfast that may include 1 slice of wheat toast with margarine, honey, and cinnamon, and 1 cup of hot tea. If she has lunch, she normally has a can of peaches, half of a turkey sandwich, and a glass of water. For dinner, she might have half of a tuna fish sandwich made with mayonnaise and 1 cup of iced tea. She usually includes one or two soft cookies at bedtime. Answer the following questions about dietary assistance for frances. Nutritional effects of changes in physiological function which physiological changes of aging will add to the effects of her inadequate dietary intake?

Answer 1

The physiological changes of aging can exacerbate the effects of inadequate dietary intake in several ways. For example:

1. Reduced digestive function: As people age, their digestive system becomes less efficient, which can make it more difficult to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition even if a person is consuming enough calories.

2. Decreased appetite: Many older adults experience a decreased appetite, which can make it difficult to consume enough food to meet their nutritional needs. This can be due to a variety of factors, including changes in taste and smell, medications, and depression.

3. Loss of muscle mass: Aging is associated with a loss of muscle mass, which can lead to decreased strength and mobility. This can be exacerbated by inadequate protein intake, which is necessary for building and maintaining muscle.

4. Increased risk of chronic disease: Aging is also associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Adequate nutrition is important for preventing and managing these diseases, and inadequate intake can worsen their effects.

Given Frances' limited intake and the physiological changes associated with aging, she is at risk for malnutrition and other health problems. A more varied and nutrient-dense diet, as well as assistance with meal preparation and grocery shopping, could help to address these issues.