THE AGING PROCESS & ITS AFFECTS

ON SENIORS AND NUTRITIONANNE SUTTIE

ABSTRACT

The aging process affects the way that

seniors are able to intake and access food.

As well, as a result of the aging

process, nutritional needs of seniors adapt

and their diet must reflect this in order for

them to be healthy and energized.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why am I interested?

Background Information

So what are the issues?

Summary

Conclusion

WHY AM I INTERESTED?

One day last semester, I was

getting groceries and I happened

past an elderly woman with

mobility issues picking out her

groceries. I ended up bumping

into her at several points during

my shopping trip and stood back

to observe. She was using a

cane and was carrying a small

basket.

The basket wasn’t large enough

to carry all that she required

and I watched her test out

items several times in each

food department before

realizing that she could not

carry their weight. My heart

broke as I watched her make

her way to the frozen food isle

to gather the only items that

she could manage to hold in

her basket: Michelinas frozen

dinners.

WHY AM I INTERESTED?

Since that day at the grocery store, I have spent a

lot of time contemplating the barriers to good

nutrition that are ever-present in the lives of seniors.

I hope to assist in finding a solution in the future, but

for now…I’ll be satisfied with educating you .

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Seniors are a rapidly growing population in Canada

Although most seniors report good health, 4/5 living

at home suffer from chronic health conditions

Seniors health care accounts for $1 billion each

year

Seniors tend to have a lower income than adults in

other age groups

29% of seniors live alone

SO WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

Nutritional needs (results of the aging process)

Mobility

Limited income

Solitary lifestyle

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS – THE AGING PROCESS

The aging process may leave seniors with:

loss of appetite and energy due to decrease in muscle mass

loss of bone density

decreased immunity to infection

dental and mouth problems

loss of taste and smell

digestion problems

chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes)

(Keller, 2003)

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS – MORE ABOUT VITAMINS &

MINERALS

Vitamins and minerals that may

be lacking

Vitamin D

Calcium

Vitamin B12

As with all other age groups, it is always important for diets

to be rich in a variety of minerals and nutrients which aid in

normal functions of the body and help to prevent disease.

MOBILITY

Issues with mobility can affect

access that seniors have to

healthy, nutritional food Driver’s Licenses

Reliance on friends and family

Public transit, handy dart, taxis

Meals on wheels and other food delivery

options

For seniors who have mobility issues but still want to be

independent, access to good nutritional options is a huge

issue!

LIMITED INCOME

Not all seniors experience a high income when they

reach old age This can affect food purchase decisions – fresh vs. frozen

It can also affect transportation options – taxi vs. public transit

SOLITARY LIFESTYLE

Many seniors live alone This can affect motivation to cook meals for just themselves

Many foods are also sold in large quantities which is

expensive, difficult to store and difficult for one person to eat before it

spoils

CONCLUSION

The senior population is increasing in size annually and it is very

important for their overall health and well-being to eat healthy

and nutritious foods.

Don’t you want to look like this when you’re

80??

REFERENCES

Keller, H. (2003). Dieticians of Canada. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from Bringing Nutrition

Screening to Seniors in Canada:

http://www.dietitians.ca/seniors/pdf/Nutrition_Seniors_Fact_Sheet_ENG.pdf

Mason, R. R. (2009). The Doctor Will See You Now. Retrieved May 22, 2010, from The

Graying of Society: Nutrition, Vitamins, and Aging:

http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/content/aging/art2052.html?getPage=1

Ministry of Public Works and Government Services Canada. (2008). Public Health Agency of

Canada. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from Canada's Aging Population: http://www.phac-

aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/various-varies/papier-fed-paper/index-

eng.php