
Adult Nutrition • variety • grains, veggies, fruits • low in saturated fat and cholesterol • moderate in sugars • moderate in salt • moderate in alcohol • moderation in smoked and cured meat • balance diet with physical activity
Adulthood • life expectancy has increased • doubled in 20th century • medicine • living conditions • nutrition • abundant food supply • potential is 130 years
Aging • begins soon after fertilization • young • not apparent • metabolism is geared toward growth and maturation • adult • major task is maintenance • old • body functions decrease as cells die
Healthy Aging • sleep • well-balanced meals • physical activity • no smoking, minimal alcohol • healthy body weight • lifestyle effects accumulate
Physiological Aging Changes • body weight • more body weight is beneficial • defense against disease • body composition • lose bone and muscle (sarcopenia) • lose ability to move and maintain balance
immune system declines • GI tract • loses strength and elasticity • change in hormone secretions • dysphagia: difficulty in swallowing
tooth loss • food variety is limited • sensory loss • taste and smell • diminishes pleasure in eating • sight • hard to cook, read food labels
Other Changes • psychological • depression, loneliness • economic • social • living alone, nursing homes
Nutrient Needs • water • difficult to get a drink • afraid to drink too much • energy • needs decline • BMR declines 1-2 % per decade • men: -10 kcal/day for every year over 19 • women: -7
protein • important for healthy immune system • prevent muscle wasting • carbs • abundant to protect protein • fat • moderate
vitamins • limited intake of fruits, vegetables and milk • supplements may be justified
Nutrient Related Concerns • cataracts • thickening in lenses of eyes • oxidative stress is key player • antioxidant nutrients may benefit • vitamin C, E and carotenoids • macular degeneration • oxidative stress from sunlight
osteoarthritis • deterioration of cartilage in joints • overweight • rheumatoid arthritis • autoimmune disease • attacks bone coverings • antioxidants may help
brain function • neurotransmitters diminish • enzyme dependent – vitamin/mineral dependent
Alzheimer’s Disease • free radicals attack DNA, cell membranes, proteins of nerve cells in brain • diseased brain has clumps of beta-amyloid • free radical accelerate clumping of beta-amyloid, beta-amyloid produce more free radicals • clogs the brain, damages nerve cells
Food Choices and Eating Habits • easy to open • single servings • easy to read labels • familiarity • taste