29th April 2024

Nutrition

Whilst functional decline occurs with age due to a number of what are thought to be irreversible factors including mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced autophagy, oxidative damage and DNA damage, poor nutrition can accelerate functional decline. Obesity can contribute to or exacerbate sarcopenia and cognitive decline. This results in physical weakness, as well as adversely affecting glucose regulation and hormone production.

Health promotion is an important factor in care for the elderly. This includes exercise promotion, as well as nutrition advice, as well as adequate protein intake, as part of a varied diet. Malnutrition in the elderly may be a function of lifestyle choices or a harbinger of underlying disease.

References

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• Anton SD, Woods AJ, Ashizawa T, Barb D, Buford TW, Carter CS, Clark DJ, Cohen RA, Corbett DB, Cruz-Almeida Y, Dotson V, Ebner N, Efron PA, Fillingim RB, Foster TC, Gundermann DM, Joseph AM, Karabetian C, Leeuwenburgh C, Manini TM, Marsiske M, Mankowski RT, Mutchie HL, Perri MG, Ranka S, Rashidi P, Sandesara B, Scarpace PJ, Sibille KT, Solberg LM, Someya S, Uphold C, Wohlgemuth S, Wu SS, Pahor M. Successful ageing: Advancing the science of physical independence in older adults. Ageing Res Rev. 2015 Nov;24(Pt B):304-27. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.09.005. Epub 2015 Oct 14. PMID: 26462882; PMCID: PMC4661112