ABSTRACT
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 359 Demographics of Aging .......................................................................................................................................................... 359 Nutrition Assessment .............................................................................................................................................................. 360 Diet, Lifestyle, Morbidity, and Mortality ................................................................................................................................ 361 Risk Factors for Poor Nutritional Status ................................................................................................................................. 361 Hunger and Food Security ...................................................................................................................................................... 361 Undernutrition, Poor Appetite, and Weight Loss .................................................................................................................... 363 Body Composition, Obesity, Overweight and Chronic Disease ............................................................................................ 364 Nutrient Requirements and Intakes ........................................................................................................................................ 365 Dietary Supplements .............................................................................................................................................................. 365
Vitamin B12 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 366 Vitamin D ........................................................................................................................................................................... 367 Calcium .............................................................................................................................................................................. 367 Antioxidant Supplements ................................................................................................................................................... 367 Nonnutrient Supplements ................................................................................................................................................... 367
Cautions about Dietary Supplements ...................................................................................................................................... 368 Food Safety ........................................................................................................................................................................ 368
Physical Activity ..................................................................................................................................................................... 368 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................................................. 368 References ............................................................................................................................................................................... 369
Older adults are a diverse and growing population. They range in age from 65 to more than 100 years and include the very fi t and the very frail. Older adults vary in ethnicity and culture, income, mobility, knowledge of nutrition and health, health behaviors, and health status. The main nutritional problems are poor food patterns and nutrient intake, as well as an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. The requirements for most essential vitamins and minerals do not change with advanced age, with only a few exceptions. Requirements for calcium and vitamin D are increased, and the recommended chemical form of vitamin B12 changes to crystalline. Decreased lean body mass and low physical activities are the main determinants of the low energy requirements of older people. Paradoxically, older adults are at increased risk for both overnutrition (overweight and obesity) and undernutrition, with the accompanying problems of nutritional defi ciencies and weight loss. This chapter will review the primary nutritional problems associated with aging and recommend ways to improve the nutritional status of older people.
