Nutrition
Nutrition matters at every age, but the right nutrition as we age can keep bones strong, lower blood pressure, help keep diabetes under control and prevent other chronic diseases. There is a lot of information out there, and it may be hard to know where to start. First, read the Alliance’s information on malnutrition in older adults. You can also find helpful information through the Food and Nutrition Information Center’s nutrition resource list.
Malnutrition
It's no surprise to hear that good nutrition makes for good health--warding off disease, giving you the energy to stay active, and keeping you mentally and physically fit. But you may not realize that as you age, your body's nutrient requirements change. Learn the secrets of eating for your age and make sure you get the nutrients that can add vitality and years to your life.
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Press ReleaseAlliance Launches Malnutrition Awareness Campaign
THE ALLIANCE FOR AGING RESEARCH LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE AWARENESS ABOUT MALNUTRITION IN OLDER ADULTS
Washington, D.C. – In an effort to increase awareness about malnutrition in older adults, the Alliance for Aging Research has launched a new campaign – Malnutrition & Seniors: A Hidden Threat. With support from Novartis Medical Nutrition, the Alliance is reaching out to physicians and consumers to educate them on the huge impact malnutrition can have on the health and independence of older Americans.
An estimated 3.7 million older Americans are malnourished. There are a number of medical and social factors that may lead to malnutrition. Many cases go undetected because the signs are often hidden, changes in weight and nutritional status can be subtle, and those at risk can be difficult to identify. Malnutrition and resulting weight loss in older Americans can cause a progressive decline in health, reduce physical and cognitive function, increase health care use, cause premature institutionalization, decrease independence, and increase mortality.
“The key to preventing malnutrition is identifying those at risk before resulting weight loss,” said Daniel Perry, executive director of the Alliance. “Once a person loses weight, it is much harder to prevent a decline and eventual loss of independence.” By increasing awareness of the risks and signs of malnutrition, the Alliance hopes more cases of malnutrition will be prevented and detected early.
The campaign resources include a physician guide that provides a tool for assessing the nutritional status of elderly patients, recommendations on developing an action plan for those patients who are identified as malnourished or at risk, and additional resources for the physician to pass on to their patients. The patient resource includes a quiz that tests the readers’ knowledge about malnutrition, highlighting the risks and signs, and giving some “secrets” on eating for your age.
To find out more about this important campaign visit www.agingresearch.org.
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Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the health and independence of aging Americans through public and private funding of medical research and geriatric education. The Alliance combines the interest of top scientists, public officials, business executives, and foundation leaders to promote a greater national investment in research and new technologies that will prepare our nation for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for today’s older generation -
BrochureMalnutrition & Seniors: A Hidden Threat to Your Patients' Health
This brochure gives health care providers a tool for assessing the nutritional status of elderly patients, recommendations on developing an action plan for those patients identified as malnourished or at risk, and additional resources for patients. -
BrochureNutrition & Aging Quiz:
Discover the Secrets of Eating for Your Age
It's no surprise to hear that good nutrition makes for good health--warding off disease, giving you the energy to stay active, and keeping you mentally and physically fit. But you may not realize that as you age, your body's nutrient requirements changes. Take this quiz and learn the secrets of eating for your age and make sure you get the nutrients that can add vitality and years to your life.
