Life Cycle Presentation: Elderly

Life Cycle Presentation - Elderly
Introduction
Regardless of age, race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender or one’s apparent social standing, life is precious whatever one’s circumstances. The human body is no respecter of persons and in order to have a healthy body, a healthy lifestyle must be maintained. Team D will analyse the lifestyle of the elderly, what psychological events occur at this stage of life and how this may impact health. The Team will also explore the basic nutritional needs and what is unique about the needs of this group. At any stage of life disease may be a threat, those diseases proving to be such a threat to the elderly will be examined as to their root cause. Lastly, diet and physical activity for this group
At this stage of life the body has slowed down some more and cells are not regenerated as with a younger body. Some nutrients are also no longer absorbed naturally in the body’s cells. According to Wardlaw and Smith, “Although people older than 65 account for 13% of the U.S. population, they account for more than 25% of all prescription medications used, 40% of acute hospital stays, and 50% of the federal health budget” (2009, page 606). Significant Physiological Events At This Stage of Life
As the physical body begins to degenerate, so too does the mental facilities of some older people. At this stage significant physiological events, which may occur in the lives of the elderly include physical ailments, memory loss, confusion, lack of appetite and disturbed sleep patterns. Another significant event, which may be overlooked due to the presence of other illnesses or complaints, is depression. Research suggests the following reasons why the elderly are more prone to depression:
• Changes in the quality and quantity of neurotransmitters in the brain of the older adult probably affect his/her susceptibility to
The outward appearance of depression is a deep sadness, which does not seem to go away and which may be accompanied by “feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness, decreased interest and pleasure in activities, lethargy, anorexia, insomnia, decreased concentration, memory impairment, delusions, and suicidal thoughts. Depression results from a complex interaction of biologic predisposition and life events” (2009).
Basic Nutritional Needs
The basic nutritional needs of the elderly may be complicated by the fact that not all older adults lead sedentary lives. While the macronutrient requirements do not change from young adults’ needs, the micronutrient needs do. Wardlaw and Smith, suggests that following a diet based on the guidelines of MyPyramid can meet all the nutrient needs of healthy older people within about 1600 to 1800 kcal. Micronutrients, Vitamin D and B12 will have to be obtained through fortified foods such as ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (2009).
Sarah Jarvis, writing for the column 55-Plus in the Timaru Herald newspaper, quoted Crown Public Health dietician Liz Cutler who stated "Older people need generous amounts of meat, fish, poultry and legumes. Nutrients that are required in higher amounts include vitamins such as