The Importance of Good Nutrition in Elderly Patients With Chronic Diseases

 Cancer and Nutrition

Good nutrition is important for those who’ve been diagnosed with cancer because it can:

• Help patients cope better with treatment side effects and to recover sooner
• Help wounds and damaged tissues heal better. This is important before and after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other medical treatment
• Improve the body’s immune system – its natural defence – so you’re better able to fight infection
• Help you maintain muscle strength, stay a healthy weight, have enough energy for everyday tasks and to feel better.

 Frail Elderly Clients

As the human body grows older there is a decline in physiological function which can lead to:

Blood Pressure Changes Leading To Increased Risk Of:

• Hypertension
• Angina, heart attack
• Arrhythmias
• Stroke / Transient Ischaemic Attacks.

Diminished Breathing Capacity Leading To:

• Decreased oxygen reserve
• Increased infection risk.
• Central nervous system decline leading to:
• Memory impairment
• Slower responses and reflexes
• Decreased learning skills.

Susceptibility to Dehydration Leading To:

• Kidneys become less effective filters
• Incontinence
• Urinary tract infections: Excessive urination Painful urination (dysuria)
• Life-threatening sepsis.

Skeletal System Changes Leading To:

• Decreased calcium
• Increased incidence of fractures.

 Good Nutrition for Mental Illness

• Variety can increase interest in food if appetite is poor
• Folate has been shown to improve the effect of anti-depressive medication
• Limit saturated fats to assist with weight control
• Limit alcohol it can make depression worse
• Fibre intake can assist with constipation, a possible side effect of anti-depressive medications
• Dairy provides calcium and can assist with sleep
• Water assists with dry mouth and constipation.

High Intensity / High Volume Sport

• The balance between amount, type, and the intensity of activity with rest and appropriate nutrition
• Specific amounts need to be calculated using body mass and exercise load
• Sports supplementation is sometimes required but every effort needs to be made to achieve appropriate nutritional benefits from real foods first before supplementation is considered.