Deck 16: Nutrition During Adulthood

Question 1

Which of the following accurately portrays a theory about the causes of aging?

A) Increases in testosterone and estrogen affect cell processes.
B) Blood sugar decreases, failing to supply adequate energy to brain cells.
C) Inadequate calorie intake speeds body breakdown.
D) Excess free radicals damage cell components.

Answer 1

Aging is a process of time dependent physical and physiological changes of the body due to reduced cell renewal and increase in the cell death. This takes place slowly after the age of 30.
Current hypothesis for causes of aging:
• Errors occurring in the copying of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): During the DNA replication, the occurance of any error in the sequence leads to absence of the synthesis of desired protein thus causes aging.
• Autoimmunity development: Autoimmunity is a condition of attack of our immune system on body antibodies rather than foreign particles.
• Programmed cell death: A cell divides 50 times in a life time then it will die. As the age progresses the cells die more rapidly.
Hence the correct option is d.

Question 2

Discuss how heredity, lifestyle, and environment influence aging.

Answer 2

Aging is a process of time dependent physical and physiological changes of the body due to reduced cell renewal and increase in the cell death. This takes place slowly after the age of 30. Heredity, lifestyle and environment play a major role in the process of aging.
Heredity :
If the ancestors in the family have a long life, then there is a chance of long life to the off springs. Thrifty metabolism is also another reason for long life. Thrifty metabolism refers to low energy use and high storage of fat in the body.
Lifestyle :
Healthy lifestyle gives long life.
• No smoking, no drinking
• Gain little weight in adulthood
• Eat many fruits and vegetables.
• Have positive outlook
Environment :
Environmental factors like income, education level, health care, shelter, and psychosocial factors influence aging.

Question 3

Defend the recommendation for regular physical activity during older adulthood, including some resistance activity (weight training).

Answer 3

The phenomenon of aging causes some structural and physiological changes in the human body that impact the functioning of different systems including the collagen, muscles and bones.
As body ages, the connective tissue becomes stiffer and more collagen accumulates. The cartilages lose their elasticity due to the stiffening of the connective tissue. The bone mass decreases due to demineralization. Bones become fragile. This leads to frequent fractures. The muscle mass declines, muscles lose flexibility and become weaker. This, forces restricted mobility.
Maintaining a physically active lifestyle and focusing on attaining healthy body weight can help in slowing down the decline in functioning of the bones and structures attached to them.
Performing weight bearing exercises can help greatly. Weight bearing exercises help in building better force production capabilities in older adults by reinforcing muscle activation patterns. It improves the muscle mass, intramuscular coordination and the coordination between the different muscles and their accessory structures such as the bones and tendons.

Question 4

Is the current adult RDA for protein appropriate for older adults? Why or why not?

Question 5

The immune system becomes less efficient with age, so it is especially important to consume adequate ____ and ____, nutrients that contribute to immune function.
a. Vitamin A, potassium
b. Protein, zinc
c. Zinc, iodide
d. Vitamin A, vitamin K

Question 6

Which nutrients should be limited in the diets of most American adults? Suggest three specific dietary changes that would help to limit these food components.

Question 7

List four warning signs of undernutrition in older people that are part of the acronym DETERMINE. Briefly justify the inclusion of each.

Question 8

Name three nutrients that are commonly lacking in the diets of adults. Suggest one rich food source of each of these nutrients.

Question 9

Which of the following is a useful strategy to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease?

A) Avoid stressing the brain with challenging mental tasks.
B) Limit intake of dairy products.
C) Consume adequate B vitamins, such as folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12.
D) Increase the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.

Question 10

What is sarcopenia? What diet and lifestyle changes would you suggest to avoid this condition?

Question 11

List three important points made by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the general population and give an example of why each one may be difficult for older adults to implement. What are some suggestions for overcoming these barriers? (LO 19.4)

Question 12

Describe three ways aging affects the processes of digestion, absorption, and utilization of nutrients.

Question 13

Answers to the following multiple choice question are below. To maintain optimal nutritional status and healthy weight, the diet of an older person should have a ____ nutrient density and be _____ in energy content.

A) low, high
B) low, low
C) high, moderate
D) high, high

Question 14

List two types of complementary and alternative medicine adults may use to improve immune function. List two that adults may use to cope with arthritis.

Question 15

How might the nutritional needs of older people differ from those of younger people? How are their needs similar? Be specific.

Question 16

How does depression influence nutritional status?

Question 17

Donald has been diagnosed with cirrhosis. To cope with his impaired liver function, he will need to
a. take high doses of vitamin and mineral supplements.
b. minimize alcohol intake.
c. limit his intake of dietary fiber.
d. All of the above.

Question 18

List at least two chronic illnesses that are linked to poor intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Question 19

List three common herbal remedies. What are the possible benefits and risks of each one? If your grandmother were considering using any of these herbal remedies, what advice would you give her?

Question 20

Poor economic status can limit the ability to purchase foods. Beyond this, how can limited financial resources affect nutritional status?

Question 21

Answers to the following multiple choice question are below. The reason the incidence of obesity increases with age is that

A) the basal metabolic rate decreases with age.
B) physical activity often decreases with age.
C) energy intake exceeds energy expenditure.
D) All of the above.

Question 22

Answers to the following multiple choice question are below. Alcohol is digested in the

A) stomach.
B) small intestine.
C) liver.
D) None of the above; alcohol requires no digestion.

Question 23

Gerald is a 76-year-old man whose wife recently passed away. He now lives alone for the first time in his life and is not accustomed to preparing meals for himself. What three pieces of advice would you give Gerald about eating well for an older, single man?

Question 24

What is the difference between life span and life expectancy?

Question 25

What three resources in a community are widely available to aid older adults in maintaining nutritional health?

Question 26

List three possible nutrition resources for an older adult with limited financial means.

Question 27

Answers to the following multiple choice question are below. Nutrition programs such as congregate meals or home-delivered meals provide which of the following?

A) an improved nutritional status
B) a social atmosphere
C) an economical meal for lowincome elderly
D) All of the above.

Question 28

Answers to the following multiple choice question are below. Alcohol is most damaging to the

A) brain cells because alcohol can be used as an energy source even before glucose.
B) kidney cells because this is where alcohol is excreted.
C) cells of the gastrointestinal tract because they are in direct contact with ingested alcohol.
D) liver cells where alcohol is metabolized.

Question 29

Describe two hypotheses proposed to explain the causes of aging, and note evidence for each in your daily life experiences.

Question 30

List two benefits of moderate alcohol intake. List two risks of alcohol abuse. Should a non-drinker take up drinking for the health benefits? (LO 19.7)

Question 31

Answers to the following multiple choice question are below. Among the older population of the United States, the age of the fastest growing segment is _______ years.

A) 65
B) 74
C) 79
D) 85+

Question 32

Describe three current hypotheses about the causes of aging.

Question 33

List four organ systems that can decline in function in later years, along with a diet/lifestyle response to help cope with the decline.

Question 34

What is the difference between usual and successful aging?