Seniors
This section provides an overview of the nutrition considerations by life stage and need state.
Select a need state below to learn more.
- Key Insights
- Digestive Health
- Bone and Joint Health
- Heart Health
- Muscle Health
- Immune Health
- Weight Management & Diabetes
- Cognitive Health
- Critical Care/Oncology
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Digestive Health
- As humans age, the digestive system can slow down and an age related decline in digestive enzymes can also be seen
- These factors can play a role in several digestive system disorders such as constipation and diarrhoea
- Older adults are also more likely to develop diverticular disease. The prevalence at 60 years is estimated at 30%, while this increases to 65% over the age of 80
- Prebiotics and probiotics can help establish and maintain healthy gut microflora, which in turn is beneficial for healthy digestion and stimulation of the immune system
- A diet rich in fibre can support gut function and can help with regular digestion, constipation and diarrhoea management
Related Resources
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Bone and Joint Health
- Bone mass increases throughout growth until about the age of 20, when peak bone mass is achieved. From the age of around 40 onwards, bone loss exceeds bone formation and bone mass decreases.
- Excess bone loss leads to osteoporosis – a condition characterised by bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture
- Healthy bones can only be achieved and maintained if the diet meets nutritional requirements. Adequate protein and micronutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium are needed to support bone mineral density. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been shown to be beneficial for joint health to lower inflammation.
Related Resources
White Paper: Nutritional Strategies to Promote Muscle and Joint Health by Barbara Lyle, PhD
What is Vitamin K2, and What Role Does It Have in Health? by Nathan Pratt, PhD, RD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Heart Health
- Heart health refers to the health of the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular diseases, (CVD), are the number one cause of death globally. CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Their origin is multifactorial and strongly associated with risk factors such as poor diet and inadequate physical activity
- Nutritional recommendations for primary and secondary prevention include: healthy fats (MUFA, LCPUFA-EPA/DHA) – recommended to support healthy blood lipids, lower inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity; soluble dietary fibre to regulate blood lipids and glucose and improve insulin sensitivity; and adequate wholegrain and protein intake to support weight management, body composition and normal blood pressure.
Related Resources
Does Low-Fat Still Matter? by Mindy Hermann, MBA, RDN
What is Vitamin K2, and What Role Does It Have in Health? by Nathan Pratt, PhD, RD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Muscle Health
- Human muscle undergoes constant changes. After approximately the age of 50, muscle mass decreases at an annual rate of 1-2%. Muscle strength declines by 1.5% per year between the ages of 50 and 60 and by 3% thereafter
- Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass, muscle quality, physical strength and function. On average it is estimated that 5-13% of elderly people aged 60-70 years are affected by sarcopenia
- The progression of sarcopenia is influenced by insufficient intakes of protein and energy, impaired utililsation of nutrients, insulin resistance, subclinical inflammation and inactivity
- Adequate protein intake is therefore essential to support muscle building, maintenance and slow muscle loss
- Adequate energy balance as well as sufficient micronutrient intakes are essential for muscle health.
Related Resources
White Paper: Nutritional Strategies to Promote Muscle and Joint Health by Barbara Lyle, PhD
White Paper: Muscle Ageing – Nutrition Interventions During Adulthood by Sara Llamas-Moya, MSc, PhD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Immune Health
- The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. The immune system prevents and limits the entry and growth of harmful microbes to maintain optimal health
- Normal ageing has a marked effect on immunity, with the cumulative evidence indicating that cell mediated immunity consistently shows age-related decrements in function. Immune function is also susceptible to stress, with many of the same immune deficits as are observed in ageing
- Adequate protein status is essential to support immune health and may aid in the reduction of infection risk
- Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals also help to boost natural defences and protect cells.
Related Resources
Immunity and Nutrition Toolkit
White Paper: The Role of Food in Maintaining Immune Health in Ageing by Christine Loscher, PhD and Fiona McEvoy, PhD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Weight Management & Diabetes
- Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. Worldwide obesity has nearly doubled since 1980. 35% of adults were overweight or obese in 2008
- 382 million people have diabetes and by 2035 this will rise to 592 million. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes peaks during healthy ageing
- The focus during the senior years, should continue to be optimising blood glucose control and weight, while still meeting all nutritional requirements
- Nutritional considerations include: portion and calorie control to support energy balance; protein and fibre intake for appetite regulation and satiety purposes; nutrient density to provide balanced nutrition; lower sugar and fat intake to avoid empty calories and support energy balance; and soluble fibre and wholegrains for blood glucose regulation.
Related Resources
Moving from Weight Management to Weight Wellness by Barbara Lyle, PhD
Does Intermittent Fasting Work? A Science-Based Answer by Heather Nelson Cortes, PhD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Cognitive Health
- All ageing humans will develop some degree of decline in cognitive capacity as time progresses. Data indicates the deterioration of the biological framework that underlies the ability to think and reason may begin as early as the mid twenties
- Cognitive decline does not affect all individuals equally and clear associations exist between the rate and severity of cognitive decline, and a variety of factors including nutritional status
- In relation to general cognitive health, a number of ingredients have been shown to potentially have a positive impact including LCPUFA – DHA and ARA, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, choline, iron, zinc to support brain health and cognitive performance.
Related Resources
Eat Your Way to Healthy Ageing by Sarah De Quadros and Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
Critical Care/Oncology
- Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It accounted for 8.2 million deaths in 2012. Annual cancer deaths are expected to increase by 4 million over the next 20 years
- Malnutrition is a common problem among patients with cancer, affecting up to 85% of patients with certain cancers, thus the main priority in many cases is energy and protein intake to avoid malnutrition and weight loss
- Other considerations include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, B vitamins and iron to name a few. LCPUFA’s may also be indicated as they have been shown to effectively attenuate certain metabolic changes underlying cancer cachexia.
Related Resources
Eat Your Way to Healthy Ageing by Sarah De Quadros and Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RD
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References
Cawood AL, Elia M, Stratton RJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of high protein oral nutritional supplements. Ageing Res Rev. 2012;11:278-296. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.12.008.
Freijer K, Tan SS, Koopmanschap MA, Meijers JMM, Ruud J.G. Halfens RJG, Nuijten MJC. The economic costs of disease related malnutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 2013;32;136-141.
Offord EA, Karagounis LG, Vidal K, Fielding R, Meydani S, Penninger JM. Nutrition and the biology of human ageing: bone health and osteoporosis / sarcopenia / immune deficiency. J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):712-6. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0374-3.
Philipson TJ, Thornton Snider J, Lakdawalla DN, Stryckman B, Goldman DP. Impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2013;19:121-128.
Russell CA. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare costs and economic considerations for the use of oral nutritional supplements. Clinical Nutrition Supplements. 2007;2:25-32.
Slawson DL, Fitzgerald N, Morgan KT. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: the role of nutrition in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jul;113(7):972-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.05.005.
