Question:
Discuss about the Nutritional Requirement of Elderly Males.
Nutrition plays a significant role in the development of a human being from infancy to adulthood. Consumption of a balanced diet regularly is important for maintenance of good health and well-being of the individual. Every individual requires a daily intake of carbohydrates, fat, proteins, vitamins and minerals to lead a healthy and problem free lifestyle. However, research has shown that compared to the younger generation, the adults or the elderly people require more nutrients in order to lead a healthy life. Diet and nutrition play an important role in various medical conditions (Sizer et al., 2012). These medical conditions include coronary heart disease, arthrosclerosis, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, anaemia, osteoporosis, among others (Murray & Lopez, 2012).
This report focuses on the nutritional intake of a group of 25 elderly males in a nursing home. They are more than seventy-five years of age. The food frequency questionnaire tool was used to determine the daily nutritional intake of the elderly males in the nursing home.
This report at first focuses on the interpretation of the dietary analysis results. Then, it discusses the nutrient deficiencies and excesses. Finally, it identifies the main food sources providing the nutrients and describes the implications of nutrient deficiencies in the elderly. Some recommendations are also made on the dietary intake of the elderly males in the nursing home.
After analyzing the dietary results obtained from the elderly males, it was found that a number of nutrients were present in excess. These are carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, sugars, sodium, vitamins like A, B6, B12, C and E. Moreover, the total calorie levels were also high. High levels of cholesterol and carbohydrates can give rise to various medical conditions in the elderly like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, among others (Perk et al., 2012). While malnutrition is a risk in the elderly, over nutrition can give rise to the above diseases which results in increased levels of mortality and morbidity. Moreover, increased levels of sugar in the diet can give rise to diabetes. High levels of sodium through increased salt intake can also give rise to hypertension in the elderly. However, nutrient deficiencies were also found in the elderly males. There was deficiency of dietary fibers, thiamin, calcium, folic acid, among others. Deficiencies in thiamin can give rise to heart failure, cognitive impairment and peripheral neuropathy in the elderly people (Caputo et al., 2012). Moreover, deficiencies in calcium can give rise to osteoporosis, bone deformities, among other (Aaseth, Boivin & Andersen, 2012). Dietary fiber intake is also very important in case of the elderly, as it prevents colon cancer, various bowel diseases, helps in mineral absorption and also helps to maintain a healthy microbial population in the gut. Moreover, deficiencies in folic acid can give rise to various neurological disorders, dementia, psychosis, depression, among others (Morris, 2012).
The most important nutrients are the proteins, vitamins like A, B6, B12, C, D and folic acid. Among the minerals, calcium, zinc, iodine, iron is important. Dietary fibers are also important for maintenance of health in the elderly. Carbohydrates and fats in moderation are also important. However, certain nutrients are comparatively not important for the elderly. These include minerals like magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, vitamin E, among others.
Grains, cereals are essential source of vitamins like thiamin, folic acid, niacin. Moreover, it also provides minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, among others. However, the elderly show a high level of refined grains intake. Refined grains lack minerals and vitamins essential for good health in the elderly. The elderly also showed decreased intake of green leafy vegetables as well as red or orange vegetables like tomatoes. They showed poor intake of legumes, lentils, peas, among others. They also showed increased intake of starchy vegetables like potatoes. They also show poor intake of fruits and more intakes of fruit juices. Fruit juices consist of sweeteners, which affects the health of the elderly. It increases the risk of diabetes. The elderly males also show a high intake of red meats, which are the sources of cholesterol and fats. They have a poor intake of eggs, seafoods, nuts, legumes and soy products. These are far better sources of protein for the elderly than red meats. Plant based proteins like soy proteins are much more digestible and good source of protein for the elderly (Nishinari et al., 2014). The dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese are a good source of calcium as well as vitamins and minerals. The elderly people need to increase their intake of milk and yoghurt; while decreasing the intake of cheese and other milk equivalents. The elderly also show a high level of sugar intake, which can result in diabetes and obesity in the elderly. Apart from these, the elderly also show high levels of oil and solid fat equivalents.
Cereals are very good sources of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Lack of vitamins thiamin and folic acid can give rise to heart failure, cognitive impairment and peripheral neuropathy in the elderly. Folic acid is necessary for the nervous system and deficiency in folic acid increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly (Barnard et al., 2014). Other diseases include dementia, psychosis, depression, among others. Low levels of carbohydrates can result in low blood sugar or blood glucose levels, however, high levels of carbohydrates can give rise to diabetes and obesity. Intake of refined carbohydrates also results in vitamin and mineral deficiency. Green leafy vegetables are good source of dietary fibers and also contain various compounds that help to prevent colon cancer. They also provide iron, which can prevent anaemia in the elderly. Elderly people have an increased risk of developing colon cancer if the diet has very poor amounts of green vegetables. Red or orange vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, red capsicums are also important and are a good source of vitamins like vitamin C (Leong & Oey, 2012). Deficiency of vitamin C can give rise to scurvy which causes gum bleeding. Moreover, wound healing processes also decline. Legumes and beans prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly. Fruits like apples, guavas are a good source of fiber. However, citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C. Fruits help to reduce the risk of cancer development. Lower intake of fruits can give rise to cardiovascular diseases and low blood pressure in the elderly. Fruits like bananas are also a source of folic acid. Increased intake of red meat can give rise to renal and colorectal cancer (Durko & Malecka-Panas, 2014). Protein deficiencies in the elderly include sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass), weight loss and loss of bone mass (Walston, 2012). Dairy-based foods are a good source of calcium and poor intake of dairy foods can give rise to calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis, weak bones, weakness and fatigue (Compston et al., 2013). High levels of cheese intake can give rise to increased fat intake resulting in obesity as well as heart diseases.
Specific recommendations can be made to prevent dietary deficiencies as well as excesses in the elderly. Among grains, whole grain cereals should be the first choice. Various other cereals like corn, muesli can also be consumed. Reduced intake of refined flours and cereals should be kept in mind. Whole wheat breads can also be consumed. Consumption of green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages are also recommended. Other vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, beetroots are also recommended. However, starchy vegetables like potatoes should be consumed at low amounts. Fruits like apples, bananas, guavas are good source of fibers and folic acid. Citrus fruits like oranges, peaches, pears are good source of vitamin C. Berries like strawberries, blueberries are good source of antioxidants. Sweetened fruit juices should be avoided. The elderly people are recommended to have more of poultry or fish based proteins rather than red meats. Moreover, they can also obtain their protein from sea foods and plant based products like soy. Among dairy products, milk and yoghurt are recommended. Among cheeses, ricotta cheese can be consumed compared to the other cheeses available. Alternatives like nuts, tofu, and salmon are also a good source of calcium and can be consumed apart from the dairy products.
Conclusion
Diet plays a very important role for maintaining the health of the elderly people. They require special care and additional requirements as compared to infants and young adults. The main nutrients required for health and well-being are carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats. Every nutrient is essential and its lack can result in several deficiency diseases. However, increased intake of these nutrients can also give rise to various medical conditions as well. The elderly people require high amounts of dietary fiber, protein, good fats, minerals and vitamins, among others. Dietary fibers help to prevent colon cancer, bowel diseases, among others. Protein deficiencies can give rise to sarcopenia, weak bones in the elderly. Deficiency of minerals and vitamins can give rise to cardiac diseases, neurological problems, among others. However, increased levels of carbohydrates, fats and sugars can give rise to diabetes and obesity. This report shows that the elderly males of the nursing home have high intakes of carbohydrate, protein, cholesterol. Their average energy intakes were also high. They had poor intakes of dietary fibers, fruits and vegetables. They also consumed more red meats, sweetened fruit juices, starchy vegetables like potatoes, among others. This report was concluded with recommendations on dietary intakes of the elderly males in the nursing home.
Reference list
Aaseth, J., Boivin, G., & Andersen, O. (2012). Osteoporosis and trace elements–an overview. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 26(2), 149-152.
Barnard, N. D., Bush, A. I., Ceccarelli, A., Cooper, J., de Jager, C. A., Erickson, K. I., & Morris, M. C. (2014). Dietary and lifestyle guidelines for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 35, S74-S78.
Caputo, F., Vignoli, T., Leggio, L., Addolorato, G., Zoli, G., & Bernardi, M. (2012). Alcohol use disorders in the elderly: a brief overview from epidemiology to treatment options. Experimental gerontology, 47(6), 411-416.
Compston, J., Bowring, C., Cooper, A., Cooper, C., Davies, C., Francis, R., & Selby, P. (2013). Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and older men in the UK: National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) update 2013. Maturitas, 75(4), 392-396.
Durko, L., & Malecka-Panas, E. (2014). Lifestyle modifications and colorectal cancer. Current colorectal cancer reports, 10(1), 45-54.
Leong, S. Y., & Oey, I. (2012). Effects of processing on anthocyanins, carotenoids and vitamin C in summer fruits and vegetables. Food Chemistry, 133(4), 1577-1587.
Morris, M. C. (2012). Nutritional determinants of cognitive aging and dementia. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 71(1), 1-13.
Murray, C. J., & Lopez, A. D. (2013). Measuring the global burden of disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 369(5), 448-457.
Nishinari, K., Fang, Y., Guo, S., & Phillips, G. O. (2014). Soy proteins: a review on composition, aggregation and emulsification. Food Hydrocolloids, 39, 301-318.
Perk, J., De Backer, G., Gohlke, H., Graham, I., Reiner, Ž., Verschuren, W. M., & Deaton, C. (2012). European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (version 2012). International journal of behavioral medicine, 19(4), 403-488.
Sizer, F. S., Piché, L. A., Whitney, E. N., & Whitney, E. (2012). Nutrition: concepts and controversies. Cengage Learning.
Walston, J. D. (2012). Sarcopenia in older adults. Current opinion in rheumatology, 24(6), 623.
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