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| Many of America's elderly are going hungry. |
Malnutrition is now being recognized as
a major health risk among the elderly.
Studies show that an increasing number of Americans over 65 are not
getting the calories, proteins or essential vitamins and minerals necessary for
good health. In fact, according to the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only 17% of the older adult
population is actually consuming a quality diet. Surveys show that 30% of seniors skip at
least one meal a day and many are living on less than 1000 calories daily. An estimated 15 – 20% of the over 65
population suffers from malnourishment. At
a time when the entire country is concerned about obesity and overeating, it sounds
amazing that a substantial segment of American’s elderly are going hungry.
There are many reasons why the elderly are not eating the quality or quantity
of food they need.
·
Reduction in sensitivity to taste and
smell. A loss of appetite is often related
to an older person’s loss of ability to taste and smell foods.
· Medications. Side effect of medications
or combinations of medications can cause a reduction of appetite, increase
instances of nausea and make food taste differently.
· Poor dental health. Poorly fitted
dentures, jaw pain, mouth sores and missing teeth make chewing difficult and
can lead to avoidance of eating protein laden meats.
· Financial difficulties. Living on a
fixed income often means the elderly must decide between purchasing quality
foods and paying bills.
· Inability to shop. Navigating busy street and crowded shops can
be daunting for the elderly, especially in bad weather. Many forego shopping for fresh produce and
try to get by with what is on hand.
· Physical frailty. Lack of strength, arthritic pain, dizziness
or disabilities can make even simple meal preparation too much of a task.
· Forgetfulness. Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and poor memory
can hinder a senior from eating a proper variety of foods on a regular schedule. It is common among elderly with cognitive
challenges to skip meals and not be aware of when they last ate.
· Depression. Sadness due to difficulties with health, loss
of family and friends or loneliness can affect appetite and cause an elderly
person to lose interest in food.
Dangers of malnutrition for the elderly
Malnutrition leaves an elder open to
nutrient deficiencies, muscle atrophy, and a weakened immune system. It plays a
role in morbidity, mortality, recovery from illness, overcoming functional
disabilities and physical complications.
Malnutrition is directly related to increases in infections, imbalances
in electrolytes, loss of skin integrity, anemia and overall weakness and
fatigue.
Common conditions associated with aging are really due to malnutrition
It is not always easy to recognize if
an elderly loved one is suffering from malnutrition. Weight is not always a good indication. According
to Dr. William B. Bateman Jr. of the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, a
person can be quite overweight and still be nutritionally starving to death
from a protein point of view. The
obvious signs of malnutrition are loss of appetite and an unintentional loss body
fat. Other indicators include dry and
dull hair, conjunctive dryness and a receding of the gums. An onset of mental
confusion, light-headedness, loss of taste and smell, weakness in motor skills,
falls and fractures, and skin sores are all indications that dietary imbalances
exist.
The problem is that many of the
symptoms of malnutrition among the elderly are commonly thought of as a natural
part of the aging process and not seen as signs of a treatable condition. Even among medical professionals, many older
patients with nutrition risks have their symptoms treated without care
providers addressing the root of the problem. The fact that elderly experience
a physiological decline, grow frail, and become increasingly susceptible to
illness had long been accepted as just an unfortunate part of aging. Yet recent findings show that many of the
common conditions associated with aging are largely related to malnutrition.
Gerontologists are now excited about
recent evidence that indicates that the illness and disease burden experienced
by elderly could be significantly lightened by following a better diet. According to Dr. Ranjit K. Chandra of the
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, it is not impossible for 80- or
90-year-olds to have immune systems similar to that of a 40-year old if their
dietary needs are not compromised. Even
those elderly who have suffered from malnutrition can begin to restore their
immune systems, improving their resistance to diseases, by correcting dietary
deficits.
Following a proper diet is essential to
the health and longevity of seniors and the elderly. By consuming a nutritionally balanced diet
seniors can add years of health to their lives.
To learn more about the specific nutritional needs of the elderly check
out the “Elderly Nutrition Handout” available at www.scribd.com.
Sources:
Malnutrition
in the Elderly: An Unrecognized Health Issue by Danielle Maher, Student Nurse &Carol
Eliadi, EdD, JD, APRN.
Nutrition
and the Elderly, by Leanne Beattie and Nicole Nichols, www.sparkpeople.com, retrieved 6/18/12.
Ten
Reasons Why Your Aging Parent May Not Be Eating Properly, by Leonard J. Hansen.
www.agingcare.com. Retrieved 6/19/12.
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