nutrition older adults

¨Often have low protein stores
¨Vitamin deficient
¨PEM= Protein -energy malnutrition ( muscle wasting, low BMI)
¨Obesity = Proper Nutrition

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¨Often have low protein stores
¨Vitamin deficient
¨PEM= Protein -energy malnutrition ( muscle wasting, low BMI)
¨Obesity = Proper Nutrition

malnutrition in older adults

¤Chronic health factors
¤Alcoholism
¤Sensory changes
¤Pain
¤Medications
¤Problems with chewing, swallowing, or digesting
¤Malabsorption

physiologic riskfactors for malnutrition in older adults

¤Cost of food
¤Difficulty getting transportation
¤Variety of Food

¨Economic Factors that lead to malnutrition in older adults

¤Food is more than a means of meeting nutritional needs.
¤Food is also used as part of religious ceremonies, in social interactions, and as a means of cultural expression.
¤Many major religions, such as Islam, Judaism, and Catholicism, include some dietary restrictions.
¤It is important to remember that good nutrition can be achieved in any culture.

¨Sociocultural Factors that lead to malnutrition in older adults

¨Review of nutrition history
¨Food and fluid intake record
¨Laboratory data
¨Food-drug interactions
¨Height, Weight, BMI
¨Decreased muscle mass
¨Decreased Cardiac output

assesments and things to look for or expect

¨Albumin - Low
¨Prealbumin
¨Transferrin
¤TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)
¨Protein - low
¨Hg/Hct - Low
¨Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC)

labs for malnutrition

¤Weakness
¤Cachexia
¤Lethargy
¤Dry, Flaking skin, and dermatitis
¤Poor Wound Healing

S/S of malnutriton

¤Assess the individual carefully to determine the causes of a problem.
¤Schedule weekly weight checks.
¤Keep a dietary record of the amount, type, and frequency of food intake.
¤Explain the importance of nutrition to overall health or disease control.
Determine food likes and dislikes

intervention plan

¨Older adults should drink at least 1500 ml of fluid per day to provide adequate fluid balance
¨Ideally 8-10 cups each day
¨Exceptions include CHF and renal failure, though they are usually on a fluid restriction of 1500 cc/day.

hydration recomendation in older adults

¨Dry mucous membranes
¨Concentrated urine
¨If an older adult states they are very thirsty, very serious warning sign (hypotension)
¤Sensation of thirst not a good indicator-will find out too late
¤Caution with Position Changes - Orthostatic Hypotension
¨Neurologic Changes
¤Confusion/Seizures