Dietary Influences on Health in Older Adults
Summary
The process of ageing engenders a range of physiological, metabolic and social changes that affect nutritional needs and dietary intake. Reduced appetite, impaired taste and dentition, and alterations in gastrointestinal function can compromise energy and protein consumption, leading to sarcopenia and diminished physical function. Concurrently, older adults face heightened risks of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins D and B12, calcium and iron, which are implicated in bone fragility, cognitive decline and anaemia. Dietary patterns rich in plant foods, high-quality protein sources and healthy fats—typified by the Mediterranean diet—have been associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders in later life. Conversely, excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and sodium exacerbates chronic inflammation and elevates the risk of hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Social factors, including isolation, socioeconomic deprivation and limited food access, further constrain the adoption of nutritious diets. Comprehensive strategies that combine tailored nutritional guidance, communal meal programmes and regular nutritional screening can mitigate malnutrition, support functional independence and enhance quality of life for older populations worldwide.
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Dietary Influences on Health in Older Adults publication trend
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Technical terms
Sarcopenia: Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.
Frailty: A clinical syndrome characterised by decreased physiological reserves and increased vulnerability.
Dietary pattern: The overall combination and quantities of foods and beverages habitually consumed.
Micronutrients: Essential vitamins and minerals required in small amounts for physiological function.
Socioecological model: A framework recognising multiple levels of influence on behaviour, from individual to societal.
References
- Sociodemographic and Health Indicators of Diet Quality in Pre-Frail Older Adults in New Zealand. Nutrients (2023).
- Factors associated with eating behaviors in older adults from a socioecological model perspective. BMC Public Health (2023).
- A Systematic Review of Behavioural Interventions Promoting Healthy Eating among Older People. Nutrients (2018).
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