MEETING THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS
The existence of physical changes, psychological, and social will result in the fulfillment of nutritional needs of the elderly. Therefore, elderly most at risk of interference with the fulfillment of nutrients compared to other age groups, which are caused by various risk factors, among others:
a. Physiological factors
• Reduced sense of smell and taste will cause decreased appetite
• The function of absorption in the small intestine weakened (impaired)
• Decrease intestinal motility would cause constipation
• In the stomach, decrease the sensitivity of hunger because of decreased gastric acid production (the atmosphere tends to be alkaline) that extends the emptying time
• Presence of chronic disease
• The misuse of alcohol can cause fatigue, confusion, resulting in decreased appetite because of the effects of alcohol on gastric mucosa
• Decreased ability to digest food because of damage to the teeth / toothless, gingivitis, perodontis, and cancer
• Use of too many drugs that affect appetite and nutrient absorption
b. Psychological / social
• Depression
• Loneliness
• Economic factors
Meanwhile, Over-nutrition (obesity) factors resulting from excessive intake of foods and contain different types of macronutrient (protein and carbohydrates), and type of fat and sugar that can lead to serious risks in the elderly.
Assessment of nutrition in the elderly
To know the nutritional situation of the elderly, the study by focusing on:
a. Physiological / physical:
o TB / BB
o nutritional status (protein-calorie malnutrition)
o The state of nutrition, oral mucosa, jaw, and lips
o The ability to chew and swallow
o Condition of skin
o Auscultation bowel sounds
o Palpation whether abdominal bloating (constipation), diarrhea, incontinensia alvi
o Are there any complaints of anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
o Damage to the ability of smell and taste (flavor)
o Mealtimes
o the daily diet
o Intake of fluids
o Assess the habit of drinking alcohol, drugs, and the presence of drug addiction
b. Psychosocial
o dining atmosphere. Examples of eating alone while watching tv
o Atmosphere residence
o Cultural and ethnic
o Assess the existence of depression
o Depression can cause memory loss and decreased appetite
Nursing Diagnosis
1. Impaired nutrition less than body requirements related to inadequate income
2. Nutritional deficiencies more than the needs associated with excessive intake
Nutritional needs of the elderly is similar to the nutritional needs of the other normal adults only major that may be changed is the type, shape, and adjustments to compensate for the activity portion.
