Deck 16: Nutrition and Aging: the Adult Years

Question 1

Energy restriction may increase life span by all of the following mechanisms EXCEPT:

A)increasing the inflammatory response of the immune system.
B)causing low level stress and thus enhancing the animal's coping mechanisms.
C)reducing blood glucose and insulin levels.
D)limiting oxidative damage.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

A diet with adequate fiber can help prevent and manage all of the following EXCEPT:

A)arthritis.
B)diabetes.
C)cardiovascular disease.
D)obesity.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The recommendations for fat intake in older adults:

A)reflect their decreased ability to digest and absorb it.
B)reflect their decreased ability to metabolize fat.
C)are very strict because of their decreased energy requirement.
D)are the same as for younger adults.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Which of the following supports the "programmed cell death" hypothesis?

A)Cells grown in the laboratory will divide a defined number of times before they die.
B)When cells continue dividing,organ function is compromised.
C)Cells from older individuals will divide more times than those from younger people.
D)Cells from longer lived species will divide fewer times.

Question 5

By 2030,it is projected that nearly _____ % of the US population will be over 65.

A)5
B)10
C)20
D)30

Question 6

Energy restriction has been shown to increase the life span of all of the following EXCEPT:

A)worms.
B)humans.
C)rodents.
D)insects.

Question 7

Postponing the onset of chronic or debilitating disease in an older population is termed:

A)chronic disease deferral.
B)compression of morbidity.
C)mortality extension.
D)suspended morbidity.

Question 8

What proportion of older adults consumes the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?

A)12%
B)28%
C)35%
D)52%

Question 9

The maximum age to which a human can live is defined as:

A)life expectancy.
B)life span.
C)life tendency.
D)compression of morbidity.

Question 10

"Programmed cell death" theorizes that:

A)genes determine the life span of cells; aging occurs as cells die.
B)aging occurs when cells become damaged,due to wear and tear in the body.
C)cells are programmed to begin emitting toxins,which cause the body to age.
D)cell deaths are influenced by the presence of free radicals.

Question 11

In older adults,energy expenditure is less because BMR decreases ______% every decade of life after age 20.

A)0)5-1
B)2-3
C)3-5
D)5-10

Question 12

What is the average healthy life span of a person living in the United States?

A)59 years
B)63 years
C)70 years
D)74 years

Question 13

During aging,which of the following is a possible source of cell damage?

A)Errors in DNA synthesis
B)Free radicals
C)Elevated glucose levels
D)All of these

Question 14

The RDA for protein in older adults is _______,as compared to younger adults.

A)lower
B)the same
C)higher
D)not specifically determined

Question 15

The LEAST significant factor contributing to the rate of aging is:

A)genetics (i.e.family history).
B)environment.
C)gender.
D)lifestyle choices.

Question 16

The requirement for ___________ decreases in women older than 50.

A)vitamin D
B)calcium
C)magnesium
D)iron

Question 17

Which of the following does NOT contribute to iron-deficiency anemia in older adults?

A)An increase in the requirement
B)Low stomach acid
C)Antacid use
D)Chronic blood loss

Question 18

The "wear and tear" hypothesis proposes that aging:

A)is the result of an accumulation of cellular damage.
B)occurs when cell numbers decline,causing damage to remaining cells.
C)results from metabolic abnormalities.
D)is a result of genetically determined organ breakdown.

Question 19

Which statement about aging is FALSE?

A)Mechanisms of aging are thought to be fully understood.
B)As aging occurs,the ability of the organism to maintain homeostasis declines.
C)As organisms age,the efficiency of cellular functions decreases.
D)The number of cells decreases during aging.

Question 20

The RDA for vitamin B₆ is increased in older adults because:

A)inflammation of the stomach lining reduces absorption.
B)it reduces damage of cells.
C)higher intakes are needed to maintain the same functional levels.
D)loss of intestinal enzymes reduces absorption.

Question 21

____________________ describes a condition that occurs when a person is having difficulty acquiring enough food to meet his/her needs.

A)Food insecurity
B)Food sensitivity
C)Malnutrition
D)Food-seeking immobility

Question 22

The "reserve capacity" of an organ or organ system is influenced MOST by:

A)age.
B)body size.
C)amount of sleep.
D)diet.

Question 23

Atrophic gastritis interferes with absorption of all of the following EXCEPT:

A)calcium.
B)iron.
C)vitamin B_12.
D)vitamin C.

Question 24

Inadequate zinc status in older adults can cause which of the following?

A)Reduced immune function
B)Reduced wound healing
C)Loss of taste acuity
D)All of these

Question 25

Which statement about menopause is FALSE?

A)It slows the rate of bone breakdown.
B)Menopause decreases the risk of breast cancer.
C)It increases the risk of heart disease.
D)Menopause causes skin changes.

Question 26

Which is FALSE regarding Alzheimer's disease?

A)Aluminum accumulates in the brains of affected individuals.
B)Diets high in meat and full-fat dairy foods decrease the risk.
C)Antioxidants may prevent or delay disease progression.
D)Alzheimer's patients show an accumulation of an abnormal protein in the brain.

Question 27

Which of the following changes in body composition naturally occur as a person ages past 50?

A)Body fat increases,bone density decreases
B)Muscle mass increases,body fat increases
C)Muscle mass increases,bone density increases
D)Body fat decreases,muscles mass decreases

Question 28

Which statement about body weight and composition in older adults is FALSE?

A)Weight loss in the elderly should emphasize the prevention of muscle and bone mass.
B)Low BMI is associated with a higher risk of mortality.
C)Body fat tends to decrease as people age.
D)Obesity rates have increased in the elderly over the past two decades.

Question 29

More than ____% of elderly patients in nursing homes and hospitals suffer from constipation.

A)26
B)34
C)56
D)75

Question 30

Aging contributes to all of the following EXCEPT:

A)changes in the abilities to taste and smell.
B)changes in immune function.
C)increased migraine headaches.
D)periodontal disease or dental problems.

Question 31

Dementia,or diminished mental state,is LEAST likely to be associated with:

A)alcoholism.
B)Alzheimer's disease.
C)strokes.
D)vitamin C intake levels.

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the use of medications in the elderly?

A)Mineral oil-based laxatives increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
B)Over-the-counter medications can interfere with the action of prescription drugs.
C)Prolonged use of some antacids can contribute to increased bone loss.
D)Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can interfere with nutrient absorption.

Question 33

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding menopause?

A)After menopause,a woman's risk of heart disease increases.
B)Menopause decreases a woman's risk of breast cancer.
C)After menopause,a woman's risk of osteoporosis decreases.
D)Menopause has been associated with a change in body composition.

Question 34

A decrease in the hormone melatonin is most likely to result in:

A)a decline in the sense of taste.
B)decreased appetite.
C)disrupted sleep patterns.
D)hair loss.

Question 35

Sarcopenia is defined as:

A)the increase of abdominal fat that occurs with age.
B)the decrease of fat on hips and thighs that occurs with age.
C)the decrease of muscle mass and strength that occurs with age.
D)the gains in lean body mass that occur when elderly people perform resistance exercise.

Question 36

Among older adults,which is LEAST likely to be a problem?

A)Adequate calorie intake
B)Adequate fluid intake
C)Adequate protein intake
D)Adequate fat intake

Question 37

Which of the following is the LEAST preferred way for individuals to prevent constipation?

A)Take daily laxatives
B)Increase fiber intake
C)Increase fluid intake
D)Maintain regular exercise

Question 38

Diets high in ________________ may slow or prevent development of macular degeneration and cataracts.

A)antioxidants
B)complex carbohydrates
C)animal protein
D)vitamin B₁₂

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT part of the DETERMINE checklist?

A)Questions about dental health; e.g.can the person chew properly?
B)Asking about money; e.g.is buying nutritious food a problem?
C)Questions regarding health insurance; e.g.are medical costs covered?
D)Asking about a person's social situation; e.g.do they eat alone?

Question 40

Decreased saliva production in older adults may cause all of the following EXCEPT:

A)making swallowing more difficult.
B)decreasing the taste of food.
C)increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease
D)increasing susceptibility to viral infection.

Question 41

Which statement about immunity and the elderly is FALSE?

A)The effectiveness of immunizations declines with age.
B)The incidence of autoimmune disorders increases with age.
C)High doses of zinc,copper and iron stimulate the immune system.
D)The ability of the immune system to fight disease declines with age.

Question 42

Of the following choices,which is MOST likely to result in a decreased risk of a fractured bone in an older person?

A)Eating plenty of calcium-containing foods as a teenager
B)Eating plenty of eggs and dairy foods after the age of 50
C)Taking a glucosamine supplement
D)Limiting one's exposure to the sun

Question 43

The amount of energy needed for _________________ decreases as adults ages.

A)physical activity
B)digesting and absorbing food
C)basal metabolism
D)All of these

Question 44

Describe and compare the two major hypotheses that are proposed to explain why aging occurs.

Question 45

The supplement that is probably of LEAST value to an older adult who already eats a healthful diet is:

A)calcium.
B)vitamin B₁₂.
C)vitamin C.
D)vitamin D.

Question 46

What is NOT TRUE regarding body weight and composition,and exercise in older adults?

A)After about age 70,the risks of regular exercise outweigh the benefits.
B)Weight may stay constant during aging,but the proportion of muscle decreases.
C)Stable weight usually is a sign of good health.
D)Unintentional weight loss may be an indication of a health problem.

Question 47

The DETERMINE checklist is most likely used to:

A)assess the risk of malnutrition in older adults.
B)avoid adverse interactions between foods and prescription medications.
C)decide if an older person should be hospitalized when they are ill.
D)qualify recipients for food stamps.

Question 48

The hormone which influences sleep patterns most is:

A)insulin.
B)melatonin.
C)thyroxine.
D)testosterone.

Question 49

Getting enough vitamin D may be a problem for older adults due to:

A)drinking too much milk.
B)drinking carbonated beverages with artificial sweetener.
C)taking multiple pharmaceutical drugs.
D)limited exposure to sunlight.

Question 50

Meals and snacks for the elderly should include plenty of _____________ to prevent dehydration?

A)grains
B)fiber
C)milk and dairy
D)water

Question 51

Define food insecurity.What are common causes of food insecurity?

Question 52

Which disease or debilitating condition occurring in the elderly is LEAST likely to be related to nutrition?

A)Dementia
B)Diabetes
C)Heart disease
D)Osteoporosis

Question 53

Vision problems in the elderly are LEAST likely to be linked to:

A)diabetes.
B)macular degeneration.
C)accidents leading to injury to the eye.
D)cataracts.

Question 54

Which of the following physical changes is NOT common in the elderly?

A)Decreased capacity to smell
B)Increased sensitivity to taste
C)Increased incidence of blindness
D)Decreased stomach acid

Question 55

During aging,insulin:

A)secretion increases.
B)contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
C)secretion decreases and may be less effective at the cellular level.
D)is responsible for decreased thyroid function.

Question 56

How is compression of morbidity affected by lifestyle choices?

Question 57

Factors contributing to a better quality of life and better nutrition for the elderly include all of the following EXCEPT:

A)intact dentures or teeth.
B)staying at home more due to decreased mobility.
C)a support system consisting of family and caregivers.
D)adequate income.

Question 58

The nutrient needs of the elderly remain essentially the same although their energy needs decrease.Because of this,the best advice for them is to:

A)eat larger portions of food.
B)consume a more nutrient dense diet.
C)eat less and exercise more.
D)eat more concentrated sweets.

Question 59

Fluid balance may be a problem for elderly adults for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A)constipation.
B)decrease in the thirst sensation.
C)increased output of urine.
D)limited access to water.

Question 60

What condition most commonly causes decreased mobility in older adults?

A)Hypertension
B)Arthritis
C)Diabetes
D)Heart disease

Question 61

Although people are living longer,why is it important that natural and social scientists improve their quality of life in their later years?

Question 62

In general,how does body composition and weight change as men and women age past 30?

Question 63

Drinking enough fluid to maintain hydration is often a problem for the elderly.What are some ways that an older adult might keep track of how much fluid they've had during the day? What types of food contain a high percentage of water?

Question 64

Sam and Marge are both in their 80s and live on a limited income in a medium sized city.They usually eat at home and have almost the same diet every day of the week.They are finding that shopping and preparing three meals a day takes a lot of their energy.Marge especially has lost interest in cooking and sometimes only has tea and toast for dinner.Because neither Sam nor Marge drives,shopping means a bus trip to the store and back,along with walking several blocks.

A)What type of assistance programs could Sam and Marge take advantage of to help them get adequate nutrition while relieving them of some of the shopping,cooking and cleaning chores?
B)What steps would you take to assess the diet of an elderly person like Sam or Marge? What dietary standards would be most useful?
C)How do the nutritional needs of an older couple like Sam and Marge differ from those of middle-aged people?

Question 65

Discuss why aging is considered to be a continuous process.

Question 66

What nutritional standards must meals served in Congregate and Home-Delivered Nutrition Programs meet?

Question 67

How do the abilities to taste and smell change as a person ages? How can these changes affect diet?

Question 68

How does the need for water change as a person ages? Why does staying hydrated present more of a challenge for the elderly?

Question 69

The risk of which vitamin and mineral deficiencies increase in the elderly population?

Question 70

Describe the social and economic status of the elderly population most at risk for nutrition-related problems.

Question 71

What gastrointestinal changes commonly accompany aging in the elderly? How do these changes affect nutritional health?

Question 72

How do energy and macronutrient needs change as people age past 50?

Question 73

Compare the nutritional needs of older adults with younger adults and identify those nutrients that may need to be supplemented in the diets of older adults.

Question 74

How do Federal and other programs assist seniors in improving their dietary intake and how does the "DETERMINE" checklist identify appropriate candidates for the various programs?

Question 75

Explain why older adults have differing nutritional needs due to physiological changes as well as disease and prescription drug use.How can good exercise and dietary habits prevent deterioration due to aging?

Question 76

Why do the changes in body composition seen during aging affect energy needs?

Question 77

How does the occurrence of menopause affect a woman's risk of heart disease and breast cancer?

Question 78

Why is it especially important for the elderly to eat a nutrient dense diet?

Question 79

What is the purpose of the Nutrition Screening Initiative and the DETERMINE checklist?