Search

Background/objectives Poor appetite in older adults leads to sub-optimal food intake and increases the risk of undernutrition. The impact of poor appetite on food intake in older adults is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in food intake among older community-dwelling adults with different reported appetite levels. Design Cross-sectional analysis of data from a longitudinal prospective study. Setting Health, aging, and body composition study performed in the USA. Participants 2,597 community-dwelling adults aged 70-79. Measurements A semi-quantitative, interviewer-administered, 108-item food frequency questionnaire designed to estimate dietary intake. Poor appetite was defined as the report of a moderate, poor, or very poor appetite in the past month and was compared with good or very good appetite. Results The mean age of the study sample was 74.5 ± 2.8 years; 48.2% were men, 37.7% were black, and 21.8% reported a poor appetite. After adjustment for total energy intake and potential confounders (including biting/chewing problems), participants with a poor appetite had a significantly lower consumption of protein and dietary fiber, solid foods, protein rich foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but a higher consumption of dairy foods, fats, oils, sweets, and sodas compared to participants with very good appetite. In addition, they were less likely to report consumption of significant larger portion sizes. Conclusion Older adults reporting a poor appetite showed a different dietary intake pattern compared to those with (very) good appetite. Better understanding of the specific dietary intake pattern related to a poor appetite in older adults can be used for nutrition interventions to enhance food intake, diet variety, and diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional status declines with aging, thus impeding autonomy. Recently, a more even mealtime distribution of dietary protein was positively associated with muscle mass, but the relation of this distribution to physical performance remains unknown. Objective: We examined the relation between mealtime proteinintake distribution and physical performance and its 3-y decline in community-dwelling older adults. Design: Three-year follow-up data from 827 men and 914 women (67-84 y) in the longitudinal study on nutrition and aging [Quebec longitudinal study on Nutrition as a Determinant of Successful Aging (NuAge study); Quebec, Canada] were analyzed. Physical performance, which was measured yearly, was grouped into the following 2 functional composite scores: muscle strength (handgrip, arm, and leg) and mobility (timed-up-and-go, chair stand, and walking speed). Dietary data were collected in 2 sets of three 24-h food recalls at baseline and year 2. The individual mealtime protein distribution was calculated as the CV (i.e., SD divided by the mean) of grams of protein per meal. A mixed model analysis was used to examine trajectories of muscle strength and mobility across time by sex as conditioned by the protein distribution and adjusted for potential covariates. Results: Physical performance deteriorated over 3 y with muscle strength declining more than the mobility score in men (-1.51 6 1.68 compared with -0.66 ± 2.81) and women (-1.35 ± 1.77 compared with -0.78 ± 2.63) (means ± SD, P < 0.001). More-evenly distributed protein intake, independent of the total quantity, was associated with a higher muscle-strength score in both sexes throughout followup. It was also associated with a greater mobility score, but only in men and only before adjustment for covariates. Strength and mobility rates of decline were not affected by protein-intake distribution in either sex. Conclusions: In addition to the previously observed association with lean mass, an even distribution of daily protein intake across meals is independently associated with greater muscle strength, but not with the mobility score, in older adults. A longer-term investigation of the role of protein intake and its distribution on physical performance is warranted, as are intervention studies, to support future recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging process implies physical, psychological and social changes that make elderly people a very vulnerable group from the nutritional and health point of view. The recommended nutrient intakes in the elderly are similar, or even higher, to those of previous period of life. In this context, eggs are a very interesting food for elderly diets, since they are nutrient dense-foods, and their nutrients are highly bioavailable. Eggs are an excellent source of high quality protein, and contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, even more if they are enriched eggs. They are a major source of choline, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in human metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, which recommended intakes are higher than those for younger people. An egg's contribution of vitamin D is noteworthy because the egg is one of the very few foods that supply this very important vitamin for bone health and also for muscle function and physical performance. Finally, the egg contains lutein and zeaxanthin that protect against development of age-related macular degeneration. Egg consumption has been restricted for years unnecessarily, but today its role as a staple food in the context of a balanced diet, also for older people, is recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Frailty, a phenotype of multisystem impairment and expanding vulnerability, is associated with higher risk of adverse health outcomes not entirely explained by advancing age. We investigated associations of macronutrients, dietary fiber, and overall diet quality with frailty status in older community-dwelling men. Methods. Participants were 5,925 men aged ≥65 years enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study at six U.S. centers. Diet was assessed at baseline with a food frequency questionnaire. We assessed frailty status (robust, intermediate, or frail) at baseline and at a second clinic visit (a mean of 4.6 years later) using a slightly modified Cardiovascular Health Study frailty index. We used multinomial logistic regression to assess associations between macronutrient intake, dietary fiber, and the Diet Quality Index Revised with frailty status at baseline and at the second clinic visit. Results. At baseline, 2,748 (46.4%) participants were robust, 2,681 (45.2%) were intermediate, and 496 (8.4%) were frail. Carbohydrate, fat, protein, and dietary fiber showed no consistent associations with frailty status. Overall diet quality exhibited fairly consistent associations with frailty status. The Diet Quality Index Revised was inversely associated with frail status relative to robust status at the baseline visit (odds ratio for Q5 vs Q1 = 0.44, 95% confidence interval: 0.30, 0.63; p for trend < .0001) and at the second clinic visit (odds ratio for Q5 vs Q1 = 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.97; p for trend = .0180). Conclusions. Overall diet quality was inversely associated with prevalent and future frailty status in this cohort of older men. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hyponutrition is a common problem at all health care levels, from primary to specialized care, as well as in geriatric care. Its incidence in a hospital setting is 40% and 60% in nursing homes. This is very important, it is highly related with progressive aging of the European population, and is the biggest and most frequent cause of disability among the elderly population living at home or institutions. Countries such as Holland, Denmark, or the United Kingdom have developed Comprehensive Strategic Plans to fight against hyponutrition by developing and implementing guidelines, establishing mandatory screenings at the moment of hospital admission and discharge, at nursing homes, etc. In our country, a combined action of SENPE and Abbott Foundation is developing a Comprehensive Strategic Plan (+ nutridos Project) in which clear, precise, and validated recommendations are established to perform nutritional screening both in hospitalized patients and institutionalized and ambulatory elderly people. This issue has to take into account the social and financial aspects. Hyponutrition is many times insufficiently recognized and treated. This has a negative impact on the individual patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, independence, and quality of life, as well as on the health care systems in terms of use of health care resources and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underlying the importance of research on the biology of aging is the fact that many nations face the demographic reality of a rapidly aging populace and the looming healthcare challenges that it brings. This reality is a result of aging itself being the most significant risk factor for a range of the most prevalent diseases, including many cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Accordingly, interventions are sorely needed that would be able to delay or prevent diseases and disorders associated with the aging process and thereby increase the period of time that aging individuals are in good health (the health-span). Caloric restriction (CR) has emerged as a model of major interest as it is widely agreed that CR is the most potent environmental intervention that delays the onset of aging and extends life span in diverse experimental organisms. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which CR delays aging will reveal new insights into the aging process and the underlying causes of disease vulnerability with age. These novel insights will allow the development of novel treatments and preventive measures for age-associated diseases and disorders. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nutrition offers the means to improve health and well-being and among the predictive factors of successful aging, nutrition appears as one of the major determinants. Whereas adequate nutrition plays a major role in a healthy lifestyle that maintains bodily and mental functioning, inadequate nutrition contributes to a loss of function and to the development and progression of disease. At the moment recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is established to cover the needs of populations of the healthy elderly. In the future special recommendations for subgroups of individuals are essential, taking into account individual health status and genetic factors. Nutrient guidelines for elderly are basically the same as for young adults, propagating a balanced varied nutrition that is rich in complex carbohydrate sources, fruits and vegetables providing fiber, antioxidant and functional nutrients, fish providing vitamin D and essential fatty acids, adequate water supply in view of their potentially impaired thirst perception and reduced renal functions. Finally a balanced diet is the best way to avoid deficiencies and maintain health. If in subgroups of the elderly population an adequate nutrition cannot be achieved, low dose dietary supplements and/or fortified foods and beverages can contribute to improve nutrient intake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: An index of diet quality, which examines different aspects of a diet concurrently, may facilitate the identification of poor dietary habits in population sub-groups. The objectives of the present study were to develop a food frequency index (FFI) and to test its associations with nutritional biomarkers and nutrient intake. Methods: The study comprised a cross-sectional survey among 444 adults aged 55 years and older in Vienna, Austria, and a sub-sample of 226 subjects who provided fasting blood specimen. Data from a qualitative 28-item food-frequency questionnaire were used to develop the FFI. Results: FFI scores were positively correlated with plasma concentrations of beta-carotene ( r = 0.26), beta-cryptoxanthin ( r = 0.31), zeaxanthin ( r = 0.19), lutein ( r = 0.21), phylloquinone ( r = 0.19), 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( r = 0.20), and serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ( r = 0.24) and were negatively correlated with the ratio of total : HDL-cholesterol ( r = −0.23). Sub-groups with higher FFI scores had, on average, lower intakes of total fat, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol and higher intakes of total carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and most of the examined micronutrients. Conclusion: The FFI as a measure of diet quality has the ability to discern population sub-groups, with reasonable validity, into low- or high-risk dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The elderly are particularly prone to zinc deficiency because of nutritional and physiological vulnerabilities associated with ageing. A low socio-economic status may further increase the risk of zinc deficiency. This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the zinc status of an elderly sample in the Vaal region, South Africa. Methods The participants were 170 randomly selected elderly people attending a day care centre in Sharpeville. Twenty-four-hour recalls were administered for dietary intake. Weight and height were measured and venous blood samples ( n = 67) were drawn to determine biochemical indices. Results The mean age of the respondents was 71.7 years. The mean ± SD daily dietary intake for zinc was 11.0 ± 6.12 mg. Approximately half of the subjects (51.5%) did not reach two-thirds of the recommended dietary allowance for zinc. The mean serum zinc concentration was 61.8 ± 8.5 μg dL−1 (9.4 ± 1.3 μmol L−1), with 76.3% of the subjects having zinc values less than the recommended values of 70 μg dL−1 (10.7 μmol L−1). Maize meal was the staple in the diet of approximately half the study population. Although South African maize meal is now fortified with zinc oxide, maize also contains high concentrations of phytate, a known inhibitor of mineral bioavailability. Conclusions The results of the present study suggested that zinc deficiency existed in these elderly people. Further research is, however, needed to elucidate possible underlying factors so that appropriate intervention can be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of nutritional intake on sarcopenia has been mostly examined in class II sarcopenia, i.e. when muscle mass has sufficiently decreased to induce a loss in physical capacity. Although this provides important information regarding the treatment of sarcopenia, it may not help highlight mechanisms involved at the very beginning of its development. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that class l sarcopenia is associated with differences in antioxidant intakes (vitamins A, C, E and selenium) and status in healthy, older white men and women when physical activity and protein intake are taken into account. Design: Fat-free mass and total appendicular skeletal muscle mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 50 healthy, older white men (n = 16) and women (n = 34) aged 60-75 yrs. Physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) was determined using a Caltrac accelerometer over a 3-d period. Dietary protein and antioxidant intakes were estimated from a 3-d food record and serum total antioxidant activity (TAA) was measured by a ferrylmyoglobin- ABTS assay. Results: The prevalence of class I sarcopenia was 23.5 % in women and 25.0 % in men; 12 participants were thus considered sarcopenic (4 men and 8 women) and 38 participants were considered nonsarcopenic (12 men and 26 women). Our results showed that PAEE, serum albumin concentrations, TAA, and the four antioxidants intake levels were similar between groups. On the other hand, our results showed that total protein intake was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the non-sarcopenic group than in the sarcopenic group. Also, the number of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) reached for the antioxidant nutrients and protein intakes by the non-sarcopenic group was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the sarcopenic group. Conclusions: Although there were no significant differences between the sarcopenic and the non-sarcopenic group when antioxidant intakes were considered individually, we observed that the number of RDAs reached for antioxidant micronutrients and protein in healthy, older white men and women was lower in sarcopenic than nonsarcopenic individuals. Our results also suggest that a higher total dietary protein intake is associated with the preservation of muscle mass loss although both groups displayed values above actual RDAs. Obviously, prospective studies are needed to determine the minimum amount of protein in the diet needed to prevent class I sarcopenia and to examine the utility of antioxidant intake to combat the age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the nutritional status of Finnish home care patients (n = 178), their problems related to eating, digestion, and diet; their use of Meals on Wheels services; and informal caregivers' role in nutritional support. Half of the patients were at risk for malnutrition and 3% were malnourished according to Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) results. Most patients had problems with food intake, which were related to lower MNA scores. One-third of the participants had an unbalanced diet, and approximately half received assistance with shopping and food preparation from an informal caregiver. Home care patients' nutritional status, including all related aspects, such as shopping, food preparation, eating, and digestion, must be evaluated regularly and comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines race differences in the association of sociodemographic and health-related characteristics with change in food sufficiency status over 1 year in homebound older adults. Method: Using sociodemographic and health-related data collected during two in-home assessments as part of the North Carolina Nutrition and Function Study, logistic regression models (binary and nominal outcomes) adjusted for covariates and examined the characteristics associated with 1-year change in risk (RFI) and presence (FI) of food insufficiency among a random sample of 268 home-delivered meals participants. Results: Not having enough money for food and having to prepare cheaper and smaller meals was associated with increased RFI and FI at 1 year; having to borrow money for food, loss of food stamps, and inadequate income increased the odds among Whites, and increased medication use among Blacks. Discussion: The findings suggest that race, independent of other characteristics, is associated with diminished food sufficiency over 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of proinflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and nutritional indicators (at baseline and after 12 weeks of megestrol acetate (MA) treatment) upon long-term survival in geriatric cachectic patients without active acute infections, inflammation, or cancer.Randomized clinical trial with placebo or MA treatment for 12 weeks and then follow-up for more than 4 years.Veterans Affairs nursing home in Northport, New York.Nursing home patients with weight loss of 5% of usual body weight over the previous 3 months or body weight 20% below ideal body weight.Random assignment of placebo or MA oral suspension 800 mg/d to the eligible patients for 12 weeks.White blood cell counts, prealbumin, plasma cytokine levels (or their receptors), including tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), soluble subunits (TNFR-p55 and TNFR-p75), interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-2 receptor, and C-reactive protein at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment.There was no difference in survival between the MA and placebo groups. Considering possible confounders, initial IL-6, initial TNFR-p75 levels, and final neutrophil percentage were associated with elevated mortality, whereas higher initial prealbumin, initial albumin, final prealbumin, final albumin, and final weight gain were associated with decreased death.In geriatric weight-loss patients with cachexia, certain cytokines and nutritional indicators were effective in predicting long-term mortality, regardless of treatment with MA. Interventions to modify levels of these cytokines or their receptors and improvement in nutritional status by weight gain might be helpful in ameliorating undetected chronic inflammation and thus might prolong the survival of these nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum homocysteine increases with age and is also considered a marker for low serum vitamin B12 and folate. Furthermore, raised serum total homocysteine has been associated with atrophic changes in the brain. An association between serum vitamin B12/folate and cognitive impairment would be of considerable public health importance in view of the increasing numbers of elderly people. To systematically review published studies on the relationship between serum vitamin B12, folate and total homocysteine and cognitive function in the elderly. A systematic review was undertaken of published evidence in English, examining the association between low serum vitamin B12/folate and raised total homocysteine with cognitive impairment (as indicated by low scores on neuropsychological testing) in subjects aged over 60 years. Sixteen electronic databases and cited articles were searched. Of 383 potential articles, six fulfilled the eligibility criteria: three case control and three cohort studies were identified. ‘The Cochrane Non-Randomized Studies Methods Group’ guidelines were used for assessment and extraction of data from these studies. All three case control studies found that serum total homocysteine was significantly higher in cases when compared with controls, and there was wide variation for both serum vitamin B12 and folate in both groups of participants. The relationship of serum folate and vitamin B12 status with cognitive impairment was heterogeneous and one case control study reported decreasing cognitive scores with increasing serum vitamin B12. In the cohort studies, although serum total homocysteine could predict the rate of decline in neuropsychological testing, the overall odds ratio/relative risk (RR) of developing cognitive impairment in relation to levels of serum B12 and serum folate were not significant. Although one study reported a significant RR of developing Alzheimer's disease when both serum folate and B12 levels were low. One cohort study reported an increased prevalence of Alzheimer's type dementia in subjects who had normal serum vitamin B12 at baseline. Serum total homocysteine is negatively correlated with neuropsychological tests scores. But the evidence does not support a correlation between serum vitamin B12 or folate and cognitive impairment in people aged over 60 years. Hence, there is little evidence to justify treating cognitive impairment with vitamin B12 or folate supplementation. This is consistent with the findings from recent systematic reviews of randomized double-blind trials, which have not found any evidence of potential benefit of vitamin supplementation. Further research is required in order to establish whether raised serum total homocysteine is a cause or consequence of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although nutrition parameters have been linked to quality of life (QOL), few studies have determined if nutritional risk predicts changes in QOL over time in older adults. Methods. 367 frail older adults were recruited from 23 service agencies in the community. Baseline interview included nutritional risk as measured by SCREEN (Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition), as well as a wide variety of covariates. Participants were contacted every 3 months for 18 months to determine QOL as measured by three questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a general whole-life satisfaction question, and a general change in QOL question. "Good physical health days" from the BRFSS wits the focus of bivariate and multivariate analyses, adjusting for influential covariates. Results. Seniors with high nutritional risk had fewer good physical health days and whole-life satisfaction at each follow-up point compared with those at low risk. In general, participants reported decreases in general QOL from baseline, with those in the moderate nutritional risk category most likely to report this change. Nutritional risk predicted change in good physical health days over time. Other important covariates include: gender, number of health conditions, perceived health, and age. Conclusions. Nutritional risk is an independent predictor of change in health-related QOL. The results also indicate a relationship between nutrition and the more holistic view of QOL. Evaluation studies of interventions for older adults need to include QOL measures as potential outcomes to further demonstrate the benefits of good nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pilot study of adults ages 65 and older admitted to an acute care setting was conducted to compare nutritional risk as measured by hospital dieticians with two Nutrition Screening Initiative tools, the DETERMINE Your Nutritional Health Checklist and the Level I Screen, and to elicit from patients their own perceptions of nutritional health. Ten community-living older adults were interviewed. Although all 10 were at nutritional risk as measured by both hospital assessment and nutritional risk screening tools, none of these patients believed themselves to be at risk. One conclusion of this pilot is that interventions and education need to be tailored to the perceptions of targeted individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing home residents may be offered food and drinks with a high content of added sugars to increase their energy intake. Objective: To analyse the influence of "empty calories" on the nutrient density, energy intake and body mass index of elderly Danish nursing home residents. Design: The nutrient intake of 104 residents aged 83 (80-85) years was assessed using 4 day dietary records. Results: Twenty-seven (26%) residents had an intake of added sugars <10E%, 41 (39%) between 10 and 20E%, and 36 (35%) ≥20E%. A significant decrease in nutrient density for dietary fibre, vitamins A, D, E, thiamine, B[sub 6], folate and B[sub 12], and the minerals iron, zinc and iodine was observed as sugar concentration rose across the three groups. A negative relation was found between high levels of added sugars and intake of energy (p <0.05). Conclusions: A high intake of added sugars may adversely influence the intake of essential nutrients, and should be restricted in the diet of elderly nursing home residents, and be replaced by food and drinks with a high content of energy and micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the heterogeneity in aging and the implication of nutrition as an essential factor. Diversity of aging trajectories; Influence of nutrition in improving the quality of life of older people; Sarcopenia in old age; Loss of neurocognitive function; Importance of B vitamins in cognitive function; Dietary antioxidants; Disorders of glucose metabolism.

Recent studies have suggested a short-term impairment in the regulation of food intake in older adults, but further studies are needed to determine if a longer-term impairment exists and to identify underlying causes. Changes in body weight and composition were measured over a 6-week underfeeding study and a 6-month follow-up period in healthy young (n = 23) and older (OLD, n = 18) men and women. The young adults were either normal weight (YNW, n = 12) or overweight (YOW, n = 11). Energy intakes during underfeeding were 896 +/- 18 (SEM) kcal less than weight-maintenance energy requirements determined prior to underfeeding. In addition, changes in perceived hunger during underfeeding were monitored in a subgroup (n = 19). OLD and YOW subjects lost significantly more weight during underfeeding than did YNW subjects (p = .025 and .000, respectively), and they did not gain back significant weight in the 6-month follow-up. In addition, OLD subjects reported a significantly lower frequency of hunger during underfeeding (p = .05). There was no significant difference among groups in the relationship between weight lost and fat-free mass lost. Healthy OLD adults have an impaired ability to regulate food intake over at least 6 months following underfeeding compared with YNW adults, and a reduction in their perceived frequency of hunger may be a contributing factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined interventions aimed at achieving desirable dietary habits and other lifestyle practices to reduce premature mortality in the elderly. Nutrition-related health problems with aging; Nature of dietary studies; Recommendations and conclusions.

Presents a study which examined the energy intake of elderly people in Europe in relation to the adequacy of micronutrient intake. Decrease in food and energy intake associated with aging; Subjects and methods; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Background: There is limited knowledge about the nutritional and cognitive status in elderly and chronically ill subjects living in sheltered housing.Objective: To perform a 6-month follow-up study in order to investigate (1) nutritional status and its relationship to cognitive function in elderly people living in service flats, and (2) the effect of a 9-hour educational program given to personnel working in the service flats.Methods: Of 93 eligible subjects, 28 agreed to participate (age 81 +/- 7 years, 75% women). Body mass index (BMI), triceps skin fold (TSF), arm muscle circumference (AMC), appetite, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), serum albumin, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Mini Mental Test (MMT) were assessed on two occasions with a 6-month interval. The staff of the service flats answered a questionnaire before and 6 months after an educational program.Results: At the start, BMI, TSF and AMC were within the normal ranges, e.g. BMI 26.6 +/- 3.1 for men and 25.6 +/- 3.2 for women. Three subjects were suspected to be malnourished and 2 were malnourished according to SGA. Among 20 randomly selected subjects who chose not to participate in the investigation, age, sex, BMI, weight loss and appetite were not significantly different from those values in participants. However, none of the latter had a BMI <20 compared to 10% in non-participants. The MMT results suggested cognitive dysfunction in 41% of the subjects. On the first test occasion, MMT correlated with BMI (r = 0.43, p < 0.03), weight loss (r = 0.4, p < 0.05) and age (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). The ability of the personnel to suggest suitable nutrition for fictitious patient cases appeared to have improved after the educational program. At the 6-month follow-up, the BMI in men rose to 27.0 +/- 3.4 (p < 0. 05), while other anthropometric measurements remained unchanged. Serum IGF-1 lay within the normal range, as did serum albumin which, however, rose from 39.1 +/- 2.9 to 41.2 +/- 3.5 g/l (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Fifteen to twenty percent of the individuals studied in the service flats displayed definite or possible signs of malnutrition. Cognitive function correlated with BMI, weight loss and age. The educational program appeared to increase the nutritional knowledge in personnel working in the service flats. At the 6-month follow-up, the nutritional status of the residents had not deteriorated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines important criteria for making recommendations concerning micronutrient intakes for older Americans. Definition of the word healthy; Reference daily intakes (RDI); Effect of smoking on micronutrient status; Heart disease; Functional parameters used in setting the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for healthy elderly.

Discusses a study made on the effect of protein-calorie undernutrition and refeeding on the immune response in aging. Subjects of the study as defined by the SENIEUR protocol; A look into the parameters of humoral immune responses; SENIEURs and JUNIEURS compared; Finding that malnutrition and immunodeficiency are closely related in the elderly.

Discusses a study made investigating whether there is a causal relationship among nutrition, immunity, and infection in old age. Observation that immune responses decline in old age; Approaches to the assessment of nutritional status of the elderly; Assessment of the effect of physiological amounts of vitamins and trace elements on immunocompetence and occurrence of infection-related illness.

Discusses a study made investigating the effect of dietary restriction (DR) on aging and disease. Mechanism by which DR works to retard aging and diseases; Question whether DR work in human and nonhuman pirates; Effect of caloric intake in the body; Finding that physiologic responses to DR in rodents and primates are similar.

The article focuses on the effects of dietary intake and nutritional status on immunity and risk of illness in old age. It includes information on the definition of old age and theories of ageing, demographic and epidemiological considerations, Immune responses in old age, effects of nutritional intervention on immunity in old age, and the effect of exercise on immunity.

ABSTRACT An objective of the Food Stamp Program, recognized in its originating legislation, is to increase the nutrient intake of the poor. Economic theory suggests this might be achieved through income effects and program-related effects. This paper, using data from the Food Stamp Cashout Project, tests the effectiveness of food stamps and direct cash transfers in achieving this goal for a sample of elderly households. Food Stamp Program effects were negligible, and nutrient intake did not increase with income in either program. Controlling for the endogeneity of participation with a selection bias technique did not affect these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the growing concerns regarding the eating habits of the younger generations. Tendency of younger generations to consume fast food and the lack of nutritional value in such food.

Presents a guidelines for putting oral health into the context of health eating for older people from the committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. General and dental advice; Skills training; Emphasis on the relationship between oral health and nutrition.

Encourages the development of studies in older persons where the effects of nutritional interventions, both food and orexigenic drugs, as well as system-based interventions are studied in detail. Factors that contributed to protein energy malnutrition; Overview of studies that provide data for an improvement in outcome with a reversal of weight loss; Causes of weight loss in older persons.

Comments on successful aging and the requirements in maintaining good nutritional status. Definition of sarcopenia; Necessity of further research to reevaluate the present protein requirements among the elderly population; Undernutrition and obesity among elderly groups.

Presents a report on the role of nutrition and lifestyle factors in the health of the elderly which was issued by the International Dietary Energy Consultative Group as of June 2000. Summary of biological changes; Basis for educational and care activities for the elderly; Recommendations for research.

Presents a report on energy and macronutrient metabolism and requirements of the elderly which was issued by the International Dietary Energy Consultative Group as of June 2000. Recommendations on energy requirements; Suggestions on protein requirements; Recommendations for research.

The article reports on the initiative of the Department of Health towards the issue of older people and nutrition in Great Britain. The agency plans to discuss the development issues such as raising awareness between nutrition and good health, raising nutritional standards, streamlining guidance, prioritizing the issue from health and social care leaders and managers, training for frontline staff and managers and a clearer focus in inspections. It is stated that the action plan will be opened for the public by summer 2007.

The article discusses research being done on the diets of elderly people. It references a study published in a 2005 issue of "American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care." The results of the research show that diets rich in meats, sodium and refined carbohydrates raised the risk of cough with phlegm in the Chinese subjects involved in the study.

The article discusses research being done on the effect of age on the nutritional status of hospitalized elderly patients. It references a study published in a 2005 issue of "Nutrition Journal." The results of the study show the link between poor nutrition and increasing age. The effects of age on anthropometric and biochemical nutritional assessment variables are also reported.

Dietary restriction (DR) from weaning or young adult stages in laboratory animals throughout their usual life span extends maximum lifespan and retards the development of a broad spectrum of pathophysiological changes. However, the effects of DR when performed at middle age or later have not been well investigated. We previously reported that short-term (about 2.5 months) DR in early senescence reduced the amount of altered proteins and shortened the half-life of proteins. Furthermore, our previous studies in rats demonstrated DR initiated later in life reduces the content of oxidatively modified proteins, measured as protein carbonyls, in mitochondria from old rats. In addition, we recently found that the age-related decline in the activities of proteasomes that have been implicated in removal of altered proteins was restored by DR. Thus, our findings suggest that DR initiated even relatively late in life can restore an animal's youthful condition, reducing the accumulation of altered proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the federal Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) which is helping millions of older Americans to meet or exceed recommendations for a healthy diet. How the program has helped older people live longer; The creation of the ENP by Congress under the Older Americans Act in 1972; How the program works.