Aging Physiology & Nutritional Needs Flashcards

Which BMI range is often associated with lowest mortality risk in adults over 65?

Answer: 23–29.9

Evidence suggests slightly higher BMI ranges are protective in older adults, so a BMI under ~23 may signal risk.

Immunosenescence affects nutritional care because older adults:

Answer: Are more vulnerable to infection, and malnutrition worsens immune decline

Declining T-cell function plus deficits in protein, zinc, or vitamin D raises infection risk.

Hepatic changes with aging that affect nutrition and medications include:

Answer: Reduced liver blood flow and mass, slowing some drug metabolism

Lower hepatic blood flow and mass can slow clearance of drugs that depend on first-pass metabolism.

Which factor most contributes to constipation in older adults?

Answer: Low fluid intake, immobility, and medications

Low fluid and fiber, inactivity, and drugs such as opioids or calcium channel blockers are major contributors.

Hypodipsia combined with reduced renal concentrating ability places older adults at risk of:

Answer: Dehydration

Less thirst and less ability to concentrate urine together make dehydration more likely.

A minimum fluid guideline often used for older adults is:

Answer: 30 mL/kg body weight/day

A common estimate is 30 mL/kg/day (or 1 mL/kcal), adjusted for clinical conditions.

Which statement about bone remodeling in aging is accurate?

Answer: Bone resorption exceeds formation, leading to net bone loss

After peak bone mass, resorption outpaces formation, and menopause speeds this up.