The 7 Biggest Nutrition-Related Problems in the Elderly
Nutritional needs change with age. And as adults reach the “elderly” category (which technically includes age 65 and older), nutrition-related issues become more common. In fact, older adults are the largest demographic group at risk of poor diet and malnutrition.[1]
Nutrition-related issues contribute to higher risks of diseases like:
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Thankfully, a little knowledge goes a long way. By understanding where elderly nutritional needs often fall short, we can help older adults make changes that improve their health.
Why Are Older Adults at Increased Risk for Nutritional Deficiencies?
Anyone can suffer deficiencies if they aren’t careful. But seniors are more likely to have them because of metabolic, physiological, and age-related changes that make it harder to get proper nutrition and fluid intake.
A greater focus on nutrition and supplementation can help many elderly adults fill the gaps. Here are some of the issues contributing to nutrition deficits in the older population.
1. Lower Metabolism and Lean Body Mass
As many of us learn with age, our metabolism slows over time.
According to a study published in Science, total energy expenditure (TEE), basal metabolic rate (BMR), fat-free mass, and fat mass start to decline by age 60.[2] The study found that TEE and BMR decreased by 0.7% each year, and for those 90 or older, energy expenditure was around 26% lower than middle-aged people.
Lower levels of ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”), increased levels of leptin (the hunger-inhibiting hormone), and slower emptying of the stomach are also commonly associated with aging and poor food intake.
These factors can lead to increased weight gain, which increases the risk of diseases like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Poor Nutrient Intake from Decreased Appetite
Seniors often struggle to ingest enough food and calories, which means they are not adequately meeting nutrient needs.
Around 20-30% of senior adults experience a psychological decrease in food intake, and it’s a primary reason elderly adults suffer from frailty.[3] And even though calorie needs are lower in older adults, protein and nutrient needs are higher.[4]
Poor intake combined with greater needs can make it nearly impossible for older adults to meet their nutritional needs.
3. Changes in Smell and Taste
Many elderly adults also experience a decreased sense of smell (anosmia) and a reduced sense of taste (hypogeusia). It’s theorized that the poor sense of taste is due to fewer, more sensitive taste buds on the tongue.[3]
Understandably, poor senses of smell and taste can lead older adults not to get adequate calories and nutrition. A senior might also use more salt on their food to increase the taste, and excess sodium is associated with a risk of high blood pressure.[5]
4. Limited Access to Nutritional Foods
A Canadian study found that food insecurity in the elderly was about two times higher than in other populations.[6] This makes sense, as people often live on a stricter budget post-retirement, meaning they can’t afford as many nutrient-rich foods. Accessibility issues with getting to the store can also play a part.
Thankfully, supplements for the elderly population can help fill the gaps left by nutrition-related problems.
5. Medication-Related Deficiencies
Since disease and illness are more common as we age, older adults are more likely to take frequent medications. Along with other factors we’ve covered here, some medicines are known to affect the absorption of nutrients like iron and zinc.[4,7]
6. Poor Cognitive Performance from Micronutrient Deficiency
Unfortunately, cognitive decline, which is already prevalent in this population, is affected by poor micronutrient intake.
For example:
- A lack of vitamin C can lead to poor metabolism of essential neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Zinc deficiency can impact the absorption of vitamin B12 and folate.
- Not getting enough calcium can impair the transmission of nerve pulses between brain cells and lead to poor nerve excitability.
Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can impact many facets of senior health, including brain health.
7. Social Isolation and Mental Health Factors
Lastly, getting older can come with many lifestyle changes that impact mental health.
Social isolation, depression, anxiety, poverty, and stress from new living environments are all common with age, and these factors can contribute to nutrition-related health problems.
The Role of Supplements in Senior Health
Thankfully, there are nutritional solutions for elderly adults who struggle to meet their needs through diet.
Research shows that supplements can significantly increase vitamin levels in the elderly[8], helping older adults meet their nutrient needs when food consumption is a struggle.
Nutraceutical brands have an opportunity to address nutritional needs and improve the quality of life for our older population. Brain health supplements and targeted vitamin and mineral supplements can help aging loved ones manage factors that contribute to physical and cognitive decline.
Nutritional status is a crucial component of health for all ages. These nutrition-related issues can contribute to poor health, but taking measures to improve — through thoughtful diet planning and supplementation — is an enormous step in the right direction.
References
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2006.00557.x
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe5017
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27749690/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6971894/
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/shaking-the-salt-habit-to-lower-high-blood-pressure
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09437-3
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22222917/
https://www.nutri-facts.org/en_US/news/articles/elderly-people-may-have-an-increased-risk-of-vitamin-deficiency.html
