Academic literature on the topic 'Nutrition disorders in old age Australia'

The prevalence of malnutrition in people over 60 is 10–40%. Inadequate nutrition worsens the quality of life and the functional status of patients in elderly and senile age. The development of eating disorders may be due to various factors. Diagnosis of malnutrition is aimed at identifying it and finding the causes. Treatment should be comprehensive, including adequate nutritional support and correction of factors leading to the development of malnutrition. It must be remembered that some eating disorders can cause the development or progression of various geriatric syndromes (falls, urinary incontinence, cognitive disorders, depression, etc.)

ABSTRACTBackground: Few studies have specifically examined mental health service delivery to persons aged over 84 years, often described as the “old” old. Our aim was to compare mental health service provision in Australia to persons aged 85 years and over with the “young” old and other age groups. We hypothesized that the “old” old would differ from the “young” old (65–84 years) by diagnostic category, rates of specialist psychiatric hospital admission, and use of Medicare funded psychiatric consultations in the community.Methods: Mental health service delivery data for 2001–02 to 2005–06 was obtained from Medicare Australia on consultant psychiatrist office-based, home visit and private hospital services subsidized by the national healthcare program and the National Hospital Morbidity database for separations (admitted episodes of patient care) from all public and most private hospitals in Australia on measures of age, gender, psychiatric diagnosis, location and type of psychiatric care.Results: Use of specialist psychiatric services in the community per annum per 1000 persons declined with age in men and women from 137.28 and 191.87 respectively in those aged 20–64 years to 11.84 and 14.76 respectively in those over 84 years. However, men and women over 84 years received psychiatric home visits at 377% and 472% respectively of the rates of persons under 65. The annual hospital separation rate per 1000 persons for specialist psychiatric care was lowest in those aged over 84 (3.98) but for inpatient non-specialized psychiatric care was highest in those over 84 (21.20). Depression was the most common diagnosis in specialized psychiatric hospitalization in those aged over 84 while organic disorders predominated in non-specialized care in each age group over 64 years with the highest rates in those aged over 84.Conclusion: Mental health service delivery to persons aged over 84 is distinctly different to that provided to other aged groups being largely provided in non-specialist hospital and residential settings.

This review gives a brief overview of the main types of dementia and summarizes current thinking on the relationship between nutritional-related factors and disorders, and dementia. Dementia is a multi-factor pathological condition, and nutrition is one factor that may play a role on its onset and progression. An optimal intake of nutrients doesn’t protect people from dementia. However, studies in this area show that inadequate dietary habits, which are of particular concern in elderly populations, may increase the risk of developing a number of age-related diseases, including disorders of impaired cognitive function. They show that a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as certain B complex vitamins, can result in hyperhomocysteinemia, a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis and recently associated with cognitive impairment in old age. A deficiency of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, as well as nutrition-related disorders like hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes, may also have some role in cognitive impairment. These factors can be present for a long time before cognitive impairment becomes evident, therefore they could be potentially detected and corrected in a timely manner.

The article presents modern data on the formation and manifestations of multiple metabolic disorders with an emphasis on the features of pathology in old age. Age-related changes in nutrition, physical activity, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are additional risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome and determine the high prevalence of this pathology in old age. Multiple metabolic disorders aggravate the course of each of them and worsen the prognosis due to high risks of cardiovascular and other types of mortality. Timely diagnosis and effective correction of metabolic syndrome manifestations will reduce these risks and increase life expectancy while improving its quality. In order to increase the effectiveness of basic therapy of metabolic disorders, the use of drugs capable of positively affecting multiple metabolic disorders has been shown. In particular, this paper provides an evidence base for the effectiveness of taurine in patients with metabolic syndrome. When using taurine in addition to basic standard therapy, there is a significant decrease in blood pressure, glucose levels, insulin, serum lipid spectrum, body mass index.

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the food and nutrient intakes of 9-month-old infants.DesignA survey undertaken as part of a longitudinal study of child growth and development. Infant diet was characterised through a structured interview in which consumption frequency and portion size of foods were obtained. This method was compared with a 4 d diary and had adequate relative validity.SettingAdelaide, Australia.SubjectsThree hundred and forty-one infants for whom dietary data were plausible according to pre-specified criteria.ResultsAt 9 months of age, the median body weights for 161 girls and 180 boys were 8·8 and 9·6 kg, respectively. Differences in intakes between boys and girls largely reflected differences in size. Median daily energy intake was 3541 kJ and median contributions of protein, fat and carbohydrate to total energy were 13 %, 36 % and 50 %. Using published Estimated Average Requirements, Zn intake was inadequate for <1 % of children not breast-fed at this age while Fe intake was inadequate for 9 %. Infants who were still breast-fed (35 %) had more diversity in the foods that provided additional energy, compared with those not receiving breast milk, and were less likely to consume nutrient-displacing drinks such as juice or cordial. Cow’s milk was the main drink for 5 % of infants.ConclusionsIn a group of Australian-born children, an important proportion had weaning diets that were low in Fe. Fat intake of many children was below current recommendations and cow’s milk was the main milk source for a small minority.

Background & Objective: Anemia is a public health nutrition problem that can occur at any age. In 2013 the proportion of anemia in Indonesia is 21.7 percent. Anemia can be caused by many factors one of which is the consumption pattern. Anemia in girl adolescents and women of reproductive age can cause problem in the first 1000 days of life. This study aims to determine the risk of eating disorders and anemia in nutrition students. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross sectional study with sample 46 girl students and 19 yearsl old. Data collection of risk of eating disorders using questionnaires Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)and anemia data obtained from secondary data results of a new student medical check up. Data analyzed by using SPSS, bivariate analysis using chi square test. Results: The results showed 21.7 percent anemia and 26.1 percent risk of eating disorders. 20 percent of students with anemia have an eating disorder risk. The results of statistical tests showed no significant relationship between the risk of eating disorders with anemia. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is the risk of eating disorders can occur in the student nutrition that may be possible cause of anemia

ABSTRACTObjectives:The DSM-5 describes personality disorders (PDs) as emerging in early life and remaining continuous throughout the life-span. Yet case studies and expert opinion support the existence of late-onset PDs. Little is known about PDs in late life, and our instruments for assessing them are not well validated. Thus, the focus of this exploratory Delphi study was the late-onset PD, with special attention to the accuracy of the core criteria for the diagnosis.Design:A Delphi study was designed to assess the presentation of PDs in late life. The Delphi consisted of three successive rounds of inquiry. Between rounds, the participants were provided with a summary of the panel’s responses.Participants:A panel of 21 experts included published authors, researchers, and teachers from the USA, the UK, Australia, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.Measurements:Researchers designed a survey that included an introduction, a demographic questionnaire, and five questions that varied in presentation and response format.Results:Experts reached consensus that a variant of PD appears de novo in old age. The core features of inflexibility and pervasiveness may not pertain to late-onset PD. There was agreement that frequently occurring life events contribute selectively to the expression of late-onset PD, with the major ones being death of a spouse or partner and transition to a nursing or assisted-living facility.Conclusions:Nearly all participants took the position that PD can present for the first time in old age and be clinically identifiable without having been so identified earlier in life.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. A current area of interest is the association between ADHD and food consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the food consumption and dietary patterns of children with and without ADHD in relation to their age and ADHD presentation. The study involved 259 preschoolers aged 3 to 6 years old (57 with ADHD and 202 controls) and 475 elementary-school-age children, aged 10 to 12 years old (213 with ADHD and 262 controls) from Spain. ADHD was diagnosed in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) from Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children interviews. Eating data were collected using a food consumption frequency questionnaire, and principal component analysis was carried out to analyze dietary patterns. Western-like, sweet, and healthy patterns were identified. The ADHD group was negatively associated with the healthy pattern (p < 0.001) and positively associated with the Western-like diet (p = 0.004). Children with inattentive presentation showed lower adherence (12.2%) to a healthy pattern than that of the control group (39.9%) (p < 0.001). There is an association between ADHD and dietary habits; children with inattentive presentation may particularly be at risk of unhealthy eating habits.

ObjectiveTo investigate the medical needs and socioeconomic determinants of health among adolescent refugees resettling in Western Australia.DesignComprehensive medical and socioeconomic health data of resettling adolescent refugees aged 12 years and above attending a Refugee Health Service over a 1-year period were analysed.ResultsMedical records of 122 adolescents, median (range) age of 14 (12–17) years, were reviewed. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities included dependence on government financial support (50%), housing issues (27%) and child protection service involvement (11%). Medical concerns included non-communicable disorders (85%), infectious diseases (81%), nutrition/growth (71%) and physical symptoms of non-organic origin (43%). One quarter (27%) of female adolescents had sexual/reproductive health issues. A median (range) of 5 (2–12) health concerns were identified for each adolescent with 49% requiring referral to subspecialty services.ConclusionResettling adolescent refugees are socioeconomically vulnerable with a range of medical issues that frequently require additional subspecialty health referrals.

Factors increasing the risk of urinary tract infections in old age include reduced T lymphocyte regulation, decreased B lymphocyte antibody synthesis, impaired killer T cell function and slowed neutrophil chemotaxis. More practical causes for a high incidence of urinary infections are multiple pathology and poor nutrition. In women, a low oestrogen level increases the intravaginal pH, resulting in the lactobacillus being replaced by a pathogenic agent. Faecal stasis may also increase the risk of a urinary infection. The presentation and severity of a urinary infection are affected by intercurrent disorders such as diabetes mellitus, poor bladder control, concurrent medication and cognitive impairment. Other relevant but less common disorders are bladder calculi and tumours. Common signs of pyouria in old age are urinary incontinence, anorexia, lethargy and confusion. The infection may even be asymptomatic and this is discussed later.

The number of people in Australia and around the world is increasing rapidly, particularly people over the age of 65. As part of the aging process, cases of dementia. cognitive impairment and mental iIIness become more prevalent. The issue of competence in this population has become more significant in recent years . Older people frequently face decisions that require the consultation of a lawyer, such as issues over wills and financial investments. Preventative law advocate lawyers act as therapeutic agents, preventing stress and discomfort in elderly clients making legal decisions. In order for practising lawyers to act as therapeutic agents, an ability to detect impaired decision making capacity in older adults is required. The present study explores this issue further.

La present tesi doctoral està centrada en l'estudi de la desnutrició i la sarcopènia, la seva relació en l'aparició de fragilitat física en persones ancianes, i diferents estratègies nutricionals proposades per a la seva prevenció i tractament. Els avenços en la medicina i la salut pública, així com les millores en els estàndards de vida i en l'educació han comportat un augment de l'esperança de vida a gran part del món. Aquest fet ha comportat una transició demogràfica d'una població predominantment jove cap a una altra de mitjana edat o anciana, modifcant-se el patró clàssic de morbiditat dominat per les malalties infeccioses cap a un de malalties cròniques i discapacitat. Les condicions en què s'arriba a l'ancianitat es troben condicionades per un conjunt de factors de risc, més enllà de la mateixa edat, que afectaran el moment en el qual s'inicia la discapacitat i el grau amb què aquesta es desenvolupa, podent conduir a la dependència de l'individu. Existeix una interacció entre una sèrie de processos que poden convergir en l'aparició de la fragilitat física en persones ancianes, caracteritzada aquesta per una disminució en la força, la resistència, i una reducció de la funció fisiològica que incrementa la vulnerabilitat de l'individu per a desenvolupar un augment de la dependència i/o la mort. D'una banda, la desnutrició per ingesta inadequada d'energia i nutrients, i de l'altra la pèrdua de força muscular i funcionalitat que implica la sarcopènia. Aquesta pèrdua de funcionalitat pot conduir a l'individu fràgil cap a una situació de discapacitat, dependència i augment del risc d'hospitalitzacions, institucionalització i mort. Partint d'aquestes premisses es van plantejar dos treballs, una revisió sistemàtica de la literatura i un estudi de sèries de casos per a valorar els efectes de l'augment de la densitat energètica i nutricional de la dieta a través de l'enriquiment amb aliments convencionals, sobre la ingesta energètica i proteica en persones ancianes. Dels resultats obtinguts d'ambdós treballs es pot despendre que l'enriquiment de la dieta basat en aliments amb una densitat elevada en energia i nutrients, i un baix volum, constitueix una intervenció efcaç en persones ancianes per a incrementar la ingesta d'energia i complir amb les necessitats energètiques establertes. D'altra banda, la mateixa intervenció milloraria la ingesta proteica en persones ancianes, permet complir amb els objectius proteics establerts. Els mateixos resultats indiquen que l'enriquiment de la dieta també produiria una millora en l'estat nutricional en aquells pacients amb risc de desnutrició o desnutrició manifesta. Donada la manca de resultats pel que fa a la milloria en l'estat funcional amb la intervenció inicialment estudiada, es proposà un tercer treball per avaluar els efectes d'una intervenció multifactorial amb leucina lliure combinada amb entrenament de força-resistència sobre la força muscular i l'estat funcional de persones ancianes. Els resultats d'aquest treball mostraren com la intervenció produïa guanys moderats en la força muscular de les cames i certs components de l'estat funcional en persones ancianes que complien amb les seves necessitats energètiques i proteiques, en comparar la intervenció amb entrenament de força-resistència exclusivament.
This thesis focuses on the study of malnutrition and sarcopenia, its relationship in the onset of physical frailty in older adults, and several nutritional strategies proposed for its prevention and treatment. There is an interaction between a number of processes that can converge in the onset of physical frailty in older people, characterized by a decrease in the strength, endurance, and reduced physiological function that increases the vulnerability of the individual to develop an increased dependency and / or death. On the one hand, malnutrition due to an inadequate intake of energy and nutrients, and on the other the loss of muscle strength and function involved in sarcopenia. Based on these assumptions, a systematic review of the literature and a case series study were undertaken to assess the efects of dietary enrichment with conventional foods on energy and protein intake in older adults. The results suggest that dietary enrichment with low-volume, energy- and nutrient-dense foods is an efective intervention in older people to increase energy intake and meet energy requirements. Moreover, the same intervention would improve protein intake in older people and meeting the target set for protein. The same results indicate that dietary enrichment would also produce improvements in nutritional status in patients at risk of malnutrition or already malnourished. Given the lack of results regarding improvements in functional status with the intervention initially studied, a new study was undertaken to assess the efects of a multifactorial intervention with free leucine supplementation combined with resistance training on muscle strength and functional status in older adults. The results of this study showed how the intervention produced moderate gains in leg muscle strength and certain components of the functional status in older adults that fulflled their energy and protein requirements, when compared with resistance training alone.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009.
Title from title screen (site viewed January 12, 2010). PDF text: v, 101 p. ; 1.58 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3365739. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Consumer Science Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2011.
The objective of the study was to conduct a situational analysis of elderly people on state pension living in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa. The research focused on the socioeconomic status, dietary intake, nutritional status, and health status of this community. Methodology The sample comprised 270 (224 women and 46 men) randomly selected elderly people within the 12 wards of Umlazi. The methods used for assessment included a sociodemographic questionnaire which determined the socioeconomic status. A 24-hr recall questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire were used to determine dietary intake, while anthropometric measurements were conducted to determine the nutritional status. A health questionnaire, including a salt administration questionnaire was used to determine the health status of the elderly in this community. Trained field workers and nurses assisted in data collection and food consumption data was captured and analysed by a qualified dietician using Food Finder version 3.0 computer software program. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations and confidence intervals) were determined with the assistance of a bio-statistician. Socio-demographic and health data were captured onto an Excel(R) spreadsheet by the researcher. These questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 17, 0 software program. Results The majority of respondents lived in brick houses (84.8%) and the living space generally consisted of more than three rooms (87.4%). However, the majority of respondents who lived with >4 to 10 members were 67.4% whilst only 32.6% of households consisted of less than 4 members. The mean household size was 5.1 (±SD 2.9) people, this further illustrates that the majority of respondents lived with 5 people per household. Grandchildren were present in 70% of the households with a mean of 3 (±SD 5) grandchildren in each household. Results also indicate that 84.6% of the elderly were the bread winners in these households. The vast majority of 87.8% of the population had no other source of income. The majority of vi Pagevi respondents with an income had a total monthly income of R500- R1500 (82.9%) followed by R1501- R2500 (14.1%) and only 3% had more than R2500 total income. Food expenditure for most (80%) households was >R500 of the total income. Food shortages due to limited income were frequent in 54% of households who regularly experienced this problem, whilst 26% sometimes experienced shortages, 15.4% often encounted shortages whereas 2.6% encounted shortages seldomly and 2.2% never. A large majority of respondents owned electrical assets, the most commonly owned included a televison (80.3%) , a radio (75.5%) and a refrigerator (75.1). The majority of food items consumed were carbohydrate based and the portion sizes were relatively big, on average 1348.5g per day. The energy contribution from carbohydrates was 65% which is considered to be on the high side (WHO goals 55-75%). Protein intake was fairly common, with a 15% contribution to energy from total protein (WHO goals 10-15%). The frequency of vegetable and fruit intake was very low, the portion sizes were also small and did not meet the recommended daily intake. The energy contributions showed that 89.2% of the women consumed a diet that supplied <100% of Estimated Energy Requirements (EERs) and all the men consumed <100% of the EERs for energy. Sixty three percent of the women and 91.1% of the men consumed <100% of the EARs for protein. The mean carbohydrate intake in the sample was significantly higher than the EAR but the women consumed <100% of the EARs for carbohydrates (4.1%) and all men consumed >100% of the EARs. The majority of the vitamins for both genders indicated low intakes except for vitamin B12 and B6 in the case of men only. The majority of minerals indicated low scores for micronutrients except for iron (36.6% for men) and potassium (39.0% for men) which was consumed mostly by men than women. The mean Food Variety Score (FVS) (±SD) for all the foods consumed from all the food groups in a period of seven days was 25.8 (±14.6). The results revealed poor dietary diversity scoring. The cereal group had the highest mean variety score 5.3 (±2.5) followed by vegetables 4.5 (±2.6), fruit 3.5 (±3.1), flesh foods 3.2 (±1.6), vitamin A-rich fruit and the vegetable group 3.1 (±1.7). The anthropometric indices indicated that the mean age was 69.7 years (±SD 7.1) and mean weight of 76.5 kg (±SD 17.3). The BMI scores for the total group indicated that 52% of the respondents fell into the obese category (BMI = obese 1 >30, obese 2 >35 and obese 3> 40) and 24% of the respondents were overweight (BMI = 25-29.9). Only 20% were of moderate weight (BMI 18.5- 24.9). Although more men were overweight (34.2%) compared to 21.9% vii Pagevii of women, more women (60.1%) were obese compared to men (18.8%). The majority (83%) of the women were above the cut-off points for waist circumference ( 88cm) and 17% were within the normal values whilst 74% of the men were within recommended cut-off points ( 102cm) and only 26% exceeded the recommended scores. The results indicate that 77% of respondents were at risk of developing metabolic syndrome exceeding >0.5 waist-to-heightratio (WHTR) and 23% were at lower risk. However, the women showed a higher risk of 87.4% and men only 47.9% for metabolic risk. The correlation was significant at the p=0.01 level. There was thus as highly significant relationship between BMI and WHTR ratio for women. The health survey results indicated that 90% of the elderly population were in various stages of hypertension and 6% showed signs of developing hypertension. However, hypertension was more prevelant in women (91%) than in the men (83%). There was a statistical significant correlation (p=0.01) between waist circumference and systolic pressure for both women and men. A high percentage (82%) of the participants reported that they were currently on chronic medication whereas 18% were not using any chronic medication at the time. Although hypertension was prevalent in most respondents, it was followed by self reported diabetes (26.7%) and cancer (1.9%). Results show that elderly experienced problems with following ereas in the body skeletal joints (72.6%) as well as eyes and teeth were problematic in 75.9% of the respondents, followed by skin problems (29.6%) and ears and nose problems (28.6%). Results in the salt administrative questionnaire indicate that sodium intakes were below WHO goals <2000mg. Results also show that a high percentage of respondents (60%) generally never added salt to cooked food as the majority saw it as a health risk. Only 13% added it always to cooked food and 21% added it sometimes. Conclusions The results in the study indicate the high prevelance of poverty, food insecurity and poor nutritional and health status that compromises the quality of life of elderly living in this community. Recommendations Long-term intervention studies must be prioritised to address economic, health, social and demographic factors and future research is needed to cater for the growing needs of this population group.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Technology: Food and Nutrition Consumer Science, Durban University of Technology, 2011.
Background: South Africa, a richly diverse developing country has been faced by the consequences of transition attributed to urbanisation and acculturation. A Westernised lifestyle has, therefore, resulted in increasing disease patterns that are characterized by a combination of poverty-related diseases together with the emerging chronic diseases. The shift to a Westernised lifestyle has resulted to a shift in the composition of dietary staples leading to dietary factors related to an increase in lifestyle diseases. These include a high fat, low fibre diet, as well as an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. However, this in turn has led to higher energy intakes with insufficient and imbalanced micronutrient intake. Research conducted amongst the elderly in South Africa has clearly indicated that the elderly live within a limited financial budget leading to extreme levels of food insecurity and the social burden of being the head of the household, in addition to being the caregiver to grandchildren and sick children. Due to the current living status the elderly encounter reduced food intake in addition to a reduced variety in their diet, therefore, micronutrient deficiencies are common amongst this age group. Therefore, a consumption of energy-dense foods, particularly staple foods, to stretch the food budget which are more affordable and thus allow for an increased consumption is evident. Aim: To determine the socio-demographic profile, health and nutritional status in relation to the dietary intake patterns to reflect malnutrition among free living elderly (60yrs+) in Verulam. Methodology: Fifty nine randomly selected men and 191 women aged 60+ participated on a voluntary basis in this study. A descriptive survey method was used for this cross sectional study. Trained fieldworkers assisted with the administration of all questionnaires and a registered nurse measured blood pressure. Socio-demographic questionnaires were administered to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the elderly within this community. Anthropometric measurements determined the Body Mass Index according to the World Health Organisation and Asian cut-off points to indentify the risk factors. The Health questionnaire identified the health status correlated to the respondent’s profundity of disease and deficiencies associated to dietary patterns. Blood pressure measurements were taken to determine the hypertension prevalence related to the dietary intake. Two 24-Hour Recall questionnaires were completed by the 250 respondents to identify actual vii food intake and measured against the Dietary Recommended Intake (DRIs). A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) determined the respondent’s food variety score over a period of one week. The socio-demographic questionnaire, health questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were captured on an Excel® spread sheet by the researcher and analyzed for descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 with the assistance of a statistician. The 24-Hour Recall data were captured and analyzed by a nutrition professional using the MRC Food Finder® version 3.0 software, based on the South African Food Composition tables. Results: The majority of the respondent’s role in the family was mothers (70.8%) and lived in an urban area (68.8%). In addition, 73.2 percent (n=183) of the respondents shared the house with one to five people, and lived in a brick house (74.4%, n=186) with more than 3 rooms (74.0%, n=185). The elderly in this sample were pensioners and, therefore, 76.0 percent (n=190) received state grants of which the total household income ranged between R1001-R1500 (35.2%, n=88). Food insecurity is prevalent as reported by 28.4 percent. Primary school was the highest level of education completed by 52.4 percent (n=131) and English is the most spoken language amongst this group (74.0%, n=185). Women had higher BMI values particularly in the overweight (18.32%, n=35) and obese I and II (58.6%, n=112) categories when compared with men. Blood pressure measurements indicated that 60.0 percent (n=150) of the respondents suffered from hypertension. The use of chronic medication was reported by 84.4 percent (n=212). The total range of individual food items consumed by an individual during the seven-day data collection period measured by the (FFQ) was between 4-66 foods. However, the highest consumption was four food items by 23.2 percent (n=58) of the respondents. The summary of the food variety within food groups indicated a high dietary diversity, of which the other vegetable group reported the highest individual mean FVS (±SD) of 10.86 (±5.82), followed by other fruit, cereal, flesh and Vitamin A rich groups with 5.73 (±4.41), 5.03 (±1.85), 4.08 (±2.23) and 2.43 (±1.09) respectively. The nutrient analysis indicated a deficient intake by both men and women of all the nutrients, except for the mean (±SD) total protein in the women 45.10 (±12.55) and carbohydrate 212.83 (±36.97) in the men. The energy contribution indicated 98.3 percent (n=58) men and 85.72 percent (n=158) women consumed <100 percent of the EER for viii energy. However, the findings from the Top 20 food items measured by the 24-Hour Recall indicated that this community’s diet is largely carbohydrate-based, containing primarily starchy staple foods, sufficient intake of animal products, and insufficient intakes of dairy foods, fruit and vegetables, possibly resulting in the micronutrient deficiencies. The energy distribution of the macronutrients from the average of both 24-Hour Recalls indicates that both men and women are in range of 15-30 percent total fat intake, 10-15 percent protein and 55-75 percent carbohydrate. Conclusion: The results of the study reflect that the elderly in this community are faced with poverty, food insecurity as well as social factors thus contributing to a compromised nutritional status. The progression of malnutrition in particular overnutrition is experienced by the majority of the respondents in this study, however, an increased BMI and the prevalence of hypertension is a risk marker for noncommunicable diseases. However, the high prevalence of inadequate food and nutrient intake amongst elderly discloses the need for nutrition interventions and should be aimed at modifying the elderly food choices when purchasing food, healthier food preparation methods, increasing fruit and vegetable portions and improving daily physical activity to attain a better quality of life.

AbstractPopulation epidemiology is the science that deals with disorders and certain conditions at the population level, i.e. at the macro-level. In contrast to experimental studies, the scientist in epidemiology cannot manipulate conditions to make studies of associations as pure as possible. The science of epidemiological studies examines the occurrence of diseases, risk and protective factors for diseases, and the prognosis of different disorders and conditions in different populations. The capability approach is an ideal framework for epidemiological studies because it captures the dynamic and multiple processes involved in these types of studies, in relation to both time and space, as well as socioeconomic, psychological and biological factors. Determinants for common disorders and conditions include complex interactions among a multitude of factors acting between and within macro-, meso- and micro-levels during the life-course of an individual. In this chapter, we will discuss how the capability approach can be used in epidemiology in general, and in old age in particular, giving examples from specific conditions, such as cognitive function and dementia, depression, multimorbidity and functional ability, and non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, such as genetics and nutrition. We conclude that the capability approach is a valuable tool in epidemiological studies. In these types of studies, capability is the final outcome of the dynamic interactions between a multitude of factors at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels leading to disorders and other conditions, which leads to restrictions in the individual’s ability to perform actions in order to reach goals he or she has reason to value.

The mouth contributes to nutrition, respiration, and communications but it also contains potential pathogens that threaten other parts of the body. It is readily accessible to spot early signs of immune, endocrine, haematological, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neoplastic disorders. Teeth are destroyed rapidly by the sugar-laden diets and poor oral hygiene that are common occurrences among residents of long-term care facilities. Moreover, the adverse effect of rampant dental caries from medications that disturb salivary flow is too often overlooked by physicians and pharmacists. Oral cancer causes more deaths than each of colorectal, gastric, prostate, and breast cancers, while oral mucositis can be an excruciatingly painful side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Overall, impairments and disabilities of the mouth and teeth influence physical and cognitive homeostasis and frailty, whereas effective management of oral disorder is an essential component of good geriatric care for successful ageing and quality of life in old age.