Old Age Research Paper

Nutritional requirement in Old Age / Geriatric Nutrition
Human biological growth and decline extent over the entire life span. Throughout life all experiences make their imprint on individual genetic heritage. The general process of senescence affects all older adults. Although the biological changes in aging are general, each person is unique and people show a wide variety of individual responses individuals’ age at different rates and in different ways, depending on their genetic heritage heir health and nutrition resources of past years. The process of aging brings about marked physiological changes in the body and these changes influence the nutritional requirements. Geriatric nutrition deals with the nutritional requirements of old …show more content…
Many causes of inadequate food intake in older people are possible. According to the researchers, neuroendocrine factors influence feeding of an individual. When older men are underfed in metabolic ward settings, they do not later increase food intake to compensate for reduced food consumption when given the opportunity. Changes in smell and taste may also be important. In addition, social aspects play a role in reduced food intake. Many older people live alone, that is associated with less food consumption. To maintain health, older people need to address the issue of declining weight. Significant weight loss in older people increases the risk of death. It may also indicate ongoing illness and reduced tolerance to medication. Even in apparently healthy older individuals, successful weight maintenance may require an increased conscious control over food intake relative to younger …show more content…
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem if taken in heavy drinking pattern in this age. This problem sometimes arises due to loneliness and loss of spouse. Health consequences of alcoholism are very bad. Older adults are more likely to take medications that potentiate alcohol’s deleterious effects. If cirrhosis then ultimately develops, the liver functions even less efficiently. When its function significantly deteriorates, the liver cannot efficiently detoxify many substances. The possibility of vitamin A toxicity in turn increases. Elderly people should be warned not to take excessive amounts of vitamin A, because toxic dosage can cause malaise, headache, bone pain, liver dysfunction, and a decrease in white blood cell