Nutritional needs change as adult age. Age-related changes to the structure and
function of the body are primarily responsible for such altered nutritional
requirements. These changes can involve
the teeth, salivary glands, taste buds, oral muscles, gastric acid production,
and peristaltic action. In addition, chronic constipation resulting from
changes in gastrointestinal tract function can decrease the older adult’s
interest in eating.
The progressive lowering of the body’s basal metabolism is
another factor that will eventually influence the dietary patterns of older
adults. As energy requirements fall, the
body gradually senses the need for less food.
In addition a tendency to decrease activity levels also occurs with
aging. Because of this decreased need
for calories, nutrient density – the nutritional value of food relative to
calories supplied – is an important consideration for the elderly.
Psychological factors also alter the role of food in the
lives of many older adults. Social isolation,
depression, chronic alcohol consumption, loss of income, transportation
limitations, and housing are lifestyle factors that can lessen the ease and
enjoyment associated with the preparation and consumption of food. Consequently, a person’s food intake might
decrease.
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