Physiological changes

• • Weight & Body Composition: Increase body fat, Decrease lean body mass
  • Decrease metabolic rate --> Decrease energy output
  • Need less energy
• • Mobility: Reduce muscle & skeletal strength
  • Poorer nutrient intake (Cannot chew)
• • Sensory Functions: Decline in taste, smell, hearing, vision
  • Reduced enjoyment of food, Less desire for eating
• • Dental and Oral Health: Loss of teeth, Reduced saliva production
  • Eating problem, Fewer choice of food
• • Gastrointestinal Functions: Reduced acid & enzyme secretion, Reduced intestinal motility
  • Reduced appetite & prolonged satiety, Poorer nutrient digestion & absorption
• • Kidney Functions: Reduced function (for electrolyte/ water balance)
  • Risk of dehydration
• • Immunity: Decline in overall defense mechanism
  • Increase risk of infection, Decrease food intake --> Undernutrition
• Decline with age: Nerve velocity conduction, BMR, Work rate, Cardiac output, Vital capacity of lungs, Max. breathing capacity