Question

As people age, the choices they have made throughout their lives—in the areas of diet, exercise, and lifestyle—all have an impact on who they are and what their nutritional and energy needs are. In addition, stress and genetics also impact these needs.

Older adults who are regularly participate in ____ have healthier weights, greater flexibility, more endurance, better balance, better mental health and cognition, and better overall health than their sedentary peers.(Options- physical activity, medication regimens, daily naps, drug trials,)

Muscle mass and strength decline with age decreasing physical stability and balance, which in turn increases the risk of falling. With less muscle mass comes less activity expenditure, as well as lower _____ . (Options- energy needs, enjoyment, center of gravity, desire to be active)

One of the many challenges in proper nutrition in older adults is that although energy demands decrease as we age, _____ remain the same, with a few key exceptions. (Options- nutrient demands, hormones, cognitive functions, interests)

On average, as we age, our energy (caloric) needs decrease an estimated 5 percent per decade. This is due in part to the fact that as we age, we tend to reduce our physical activity, although in most cases there is no need to do so. Another key reason for the reduced need for calories is that basal metabolic rate declines by about 1 to 2 percent every decade as a result of decreased muscle mass and thyroid hormones.

While overall energy needs decrease, ____ needs tend to remain the same, and in some cases, increase. That is why it is important to choose lean, nutrient dense sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. (Options- Fiber, carbohydrates, fat, protein)

While overall nutrient needs remain the same for older adults as they do for middle aged and younger adults, there are a few key nutrient needs that change across the board in older adults. Furthermore, common medications can affect these nutrient needs. The next few questions will cover key micronutrient changes that occur in older adults.

Deficiency in ____ causes poor cognition, pernicious anemia, as well as devastating neurological effects. Older adults are at risk of deficiency because 10 to 30 percent of adults over the age of 50 have atrophic gastritis, as well as the fact many medications needed in later years cause issues with this nutrient as well. (Options- biotin, protein, vitamin B12, calcium)

_______ deficiency is of great concern in older adults as it helps not only maintain bone health, but is also needed for muscle health. By maintaining healthy levels the progression of bone and muscle decline is slowed, which in turn results in longevity and quality of life. (Options- Protein, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin A)

Many medications that older adults commonly use can impair _____ absorption or increase its excretion. Pair that with deficiency in this nutrient decreasing appetite and impairing taste and deficiency worsens. (Options- Zinc, iron, folate, calcium)

Answer 1

Physical activity helps older adults to maintain their body weight, balance, body flexibility, mental health and cognition in a healthier way than sedentary peers.

Centre of gravity reduces with less activity expenditure due to less muscle mass.

Nutrition demand remain same as age increases.

Protein needs of the body increases.

Vitamin B12 causes pernicious anemia and neurological problem.

Vitamin D helps bone health.

Zinc deficiency reduces appetite and taste sensation