Free Essay Sample on Elderly Nutrition: Challenges Posed by Loss of Teeth

Introduction

As people continue to grow, physiological changes normally occur (Toniazzo et al., 2018). However, these changes predispose one to major dietetic crises, and nutritionists have devised several methods to address the challenges (Toniazzo et al., 2018). One of the physiological changes experienced by the elderly is the alteration in dental formulae. This paper will look at the challenges posed by loss in teeth among the elderly and how it leads to malnutrition.

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Physiological Changes

One of the physiological changes experienced by the elderly population is the loss of teeth (Bernstein & Munoz, 2019). Due to this loss, people have difficulty chewing food, which leads to reduced food intake. Furthermore, reduced food intake results in several deficiencies in the body (Toniazzo et al., 2018).

The change in dental formulae causes difficulty in grinding food, thus reducing intake in the elderly population (Bernstein & Munoz, 2019). Additionally, the reduced ability to chew food makes one reluctant to take foods such as proteins and carbohydrates. The deficiency in these nutrients can predispose one to other serious diseases (Bernstein & Munoz, 2019).

Helpful Steps

Some of the steps that would enable individuals with this challenge to overcome the situation are refining these food items into smaller particles such that they are easily swallowed (Bernstein & Munoz, 2019). Alternatively, supplements with the same compositions would be ideal for individuals with extreme cases to ensure the nutrients form part of their daily diets (Bernstein & Munoz, 2019). These proposals can ensure proper nutrition in elderly populations (Toniazzo et al., 2018).

Community programs that have been proposed to address these challenges include the fortification of food items with supplements such as soya and minerals to curb this challenge. Additionally, NGOs in the community teach people proper nutrition methods, which have been very helpful. These programs have produced tremendous results.

Conclusion

The different challenges presented by old age are very diverse, and proper mechanisms have been developed to address such challenges. Also, all the nutrients are equally important; therefore, older adults should strive to take all the requirements each day. If these measures are properly adhered to by people with teeth problems, then the deficiency can be addressed.

References

Bernstein, M., & Munoz, N. (2019). Nutrition for the older adult. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=iBGCDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=physiological+changes+of+aging+and+nutrition&ots

Toniazzo, M. P., Amorim, P. D. S. A., Muniz, F. W. M. G., & Weidlich, P. (2018). Relationship of nutritional status and oral health in the elderly: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition, 37(3), 824-830.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026156141730105X