Elderly Nutrition Coursework Example

Elderly Nutrition
Stanley Eriri
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Abstract
The paper discusses various aspects of the nutrition for the elderly people who access food in homes, congressional nutritional centers, and those living by themselves. It will explain some of the challenges in diet and state some of the factors that lead to the development of nutritional deficiencies. The factors include the physiological changes associated with old age, the presence of disease conditions, and the vulnerability to malnutrition due to the inability of the aged to take care of themselves. The paper also discusses some of the solutions that could aid in mitigating the stated problems. Some of the recommendations include the need for sensitization to the public on elderly nutrition, partnering of health professionals including nurses and nutritionist, and input by government agencies as well and non-governmental organizations. This paper also discusses the importance of research in finding the areas that need improving to develop a targeted solution that may help improve the quality of life of the elderly people. Keywords: nutrition, challenges, solutions.

Elderly Nutrition
Nutrition for the elderly can be a significant problem due to some factors. These factors include the high probability of alteration in physiological function due to disease or aging, the inability of the elderly to take care of themselves, and the vulnerability to malnutrition. The factors are driven by the aging process that renders some body functions ineffective.

The paper takes a look at some of the aspects of elderly nutrition stating the challenges and some solutions and recommendations. Additionally, the paper also highlights the role of the nurse in elderly nutrition.
One of the physiological problems that come along with aging is weight loss or weight gain. The metabolism rate of the elderly is much slower than that of the younger people. This implies that with increased calorie intake, the energy is stored as fat. It will, in turn, lead to the development of obesity. The occurrence of obesity in the elderly is exacerbated by the low energy expelled due to inactivity in old age. Weight loss also a challenge in the elderly caused by different factors (Shetty, 2010).
Most older adults suffer from conditions that may bring about malnutrition. Some suffer from lifelong nutritional disease while others suffer acquired malnutrition conditions that arise from poor diet. Some the disorders that may need dietary changes include diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis which is common in old age would require an intake of calcium to help strengthen the bones. The elderly people require regular health checks by physicians to ascertain their dietary requirements, taking into account their physical state (Watson, 2017).
Some older adults are also challenged in taking care of themselves. Obtain their diet from elderly homes and some from the Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) centers. The dietary intake of the elderly in some centers may not be properly balanced. Older people who live alone and can perform normal tasks may lack the knowledge of the dietary changes to help them stay healthy and prevent the occurrence of disease. Poverty in the older adults leads to the lack of funds to buy the items needed for a balanced diet (Bernhardt & Kasko, 2008).
A solution to such a problem requires a partnership between nurses and nutritionists in developing strategies for tackling malnutrition. The nurses understand disease conditions and may provide critical knowledge to nutritionists who may find an affordable dietary plan that can be adopted in different homes and congressional nutritional centers. Such a partnership should be supported by government agencies and non-governmental organizations to tackle the nutritional plans for old people suffering from certain disease conditions.
Another strategy that would play a role in the improvement of diet in the older people is sensitization to the importance of a balanced diet in old age. Such an awareness campaign would help reduce the neglect of the older people and play an essential role in ensuring that nutritional centers focus on tackling dietary challenges. The campaigns could be funded by the government and nutrition-related non-governmental organization to develop content and publish through various media outlets such as television ads and through the internet.
In conclusion, improved nutrition in the elderly assists the body in attaining enough source of energy and nutrients that are helpful in disease recovery and in the ability to perform daily activities. Further, always maintaining a balanced diet improves the body’s immunity against various conditions. Government agencies should develop projects with the help of healthcare providers in providing proper nutrition guidelines. Government and non-governmental organizations could also help create awareness on elderly nutrition by funding the sensitization through various media channels.
References
Bernhardt, N. E., & Kasko, A. M. (2008). Nutrition for middle-aged and elderly. New York: Nova Biomedical Books.
Shetty, P. S. (2010). Nutrition, immunity, and infection. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: CABI.
Watson, R. R. (2017). Nutrition and functional foods for healthy aging. Academic Press Inc.