An overview of the role of diet during the ageing process

Abstract

The UK is experiencing an ageing population but this is not matched by a similar increase in healthy life expectancy. Some of the major biological life changes associated with ageing result from the accumulation of lifelong molecular damage to cells, but many health problems are attributable to lifestyle and environmental factors. Diet is one factor believed to play a key role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases associated with ageing. Diets that are high in total fat, saturated fat and salt, and low in fibre, fruits and vegetables, are central to the development of CVD, type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline among elderly people. In contrast, under nutrition is also a major problem in this age group, with many elderly people having low intakes of essential vitamins and minerals. Good nutrition is essential for healthy ageing and a multi-disciplinary, life-course, approach to ageing is vital in minimising its implications for quality of life and public health.

Economic determinants of diet in older adults: systematic review

“…6 12-17 Economic uncertainty might affect older people's food choice and diet variety as foods integral to a healthful diet (eg, fruit, vegetables, fish) can be perceived as a luxury; while healthier alternatives to common foods often carry a price premium. 17 Modelling studies indicate that constraining food budgets can lower the nutritional adequacy of the diet. 18 Estimates suggest that half of weekly income is needed for an older person on income support to eat a healthy diet 19 ; while the considerably higher cost of therapeutic diets places an even greater burden on older people with limited incomes.…”

Dietary habits and physical activity patterns among Slovenian elderly: cross-sectional survey with cluster analysis

“…A structured questionnaire titled 'Intergenerational cooperation in health promotion: Questionnaire for respondents aged 65 years or more -dietary and physical activity patterns' was developed based on literature (Hirvensalo, et al, 2000;Denny, 2008;Gandy, 2009). The questionnaire included the following three sections: socio-demographic factors (five questions), physical activity patterns (ten questions), and dietary habits (nine questions).…”

“…Life expectancy has been associated with an absence of disease and having one's needs met (Tourlouki, et al, 2009). Previous research examining successful ageing to identify and evaluate factors associated with elderly health status revealed physical activity and a healthy diet as significant predictors of healthy ageing -they help the elderly maintain their physical and mental health, prevent unwanted lifestyle behaviour such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption, and prevent chronic non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, orthopaedic conditions and diabetes (Hirvensalo, et al, 2000;World Health Organization, 2003;Maynard, et al, 2005;Denny, 2008;Gandy, 2009;Schneider, et al, 2009;Tourlouki, et al, 2009;Barnett, et al, 2012;Kavčič, et al, 2012). In Slovenia, previous research on a sample of 558 elderly persons aged 58-90 years revealed that physical activity regimens and healthy nutrition are, in the elderly, typically used as strategies for restoring previous health levels (Kavčič, et al, 2012).…”

“…In her study, Hlastan-Ribič (2008) discussed four groups of factors that influence food consumption patterns in the elderly: physiological, psychological, economic and social factors. Some of the most frequent signs of nutritional intake changes associated with ageing include a declining sense of taste, a decrease in the ability to detect thirst, difficulty with chewing due to loss of teeth and dental decay, use of medication, and adherence to dietary regimens necessary for treatment and prevention of diseases which may easily result in a one-sided, poorly balanced diet (Denny, 2008). For these reasons, elderly individuals are at risk of malnutrition which results in a weakened immune system and the onset of disease (Denny, 2008;Kavčič, et al, 2012).…”

“…Some of the most frequent signs of nutritional intake changes associated with ageing include a declining sense of taste, a decrease in the ability to detect thirst, difficulty with chewing due to loss of teeth and dental decay, use of medication, and adherence to dietary regimens necessary for treatment and prevention of diseases which may easily result in a one-sided, poorly balanced diet (Denny, 2008). For these reasons, elderly individuals are at risk of malnutrition which results in a weakened immune system and the onset of disease (Denny, 2008;Kavčič, et al, 2012). In Finland, Nykänen and colleagues (2013) found that 15 % of community-dwelling persons aged 75 years or older suffered from possible malnutrition.…”