Nutrition in the Elderly

The course is divided into six units, each focusing on key aspects of elderly nutrition:

Unit 1: Introduction
This unit provides an overview of nutrition-related challenges in the elderly, including the definitions of malnutrition and frailty. Participants will learn about the causes of malnutrition in older adults, which range from social isolation to physiological factors such as reduced taste and appetite​.

Unit 2: Physiological Effects of Aging on Nutrition
This unit explores how aging impacts the gastrointestinal system and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Key topics include the decline in saliva production, reduced gastric acid secretion, slower digestion, and decreased absorption of vital nutrients like vitamin B12 and calcium​.

Unit 3: Undernutrition in the Elderly
Undernutrition is a common issue among elderly patients, leading to serious health consequences such as delayed recovery from illness, impaired immune function, and increased mortality. This unit introduces screening tools like the Mini Nutritional Assessment to help identify at-risk individuals​.

Unit 4: Undernutrition and Dementia
This unit focuses on the relationship between dementia and undernutrition, discussing the increased risks due to cognitive decline and motor skill deterioration. Strategies for managing nutrition in patients with dementia, including environmental modifications and meal assistance, are also covered​.

Unit 5: Obesity in Older Adults
Participants will learn about the unique challenges posed by obesity in the elderly, including the obesity paradox and sarcopenic obesity. The unit discusses when weight loss is appropriate, focusing on preserving muscle mass through proper diet and exercise​.

Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Eating in the Elderly
The final unit outlines practical strategies to promote healthy eating habits, emphasising the importance of nutrient-dense foods. It includes recommendations for protein intake, calcium, and vitamin D, and highlights the role of resistance training in maintaining muscle mass​.

This course provides comprehensive guidance on managing nutrition in elderly patients, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to improve health outcomes in this population.