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Nutrition For Older Adults (Ages 50+) definitions

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Terms in this set (15)

  • Alzheimer’s disease

    A chronic, progressive brain disorder marked by memory loss and impaired thinking, with risk reduced by specific dietary patterns supporting brain health .

  • MIND diet

    A dietary pattern combining Mediterranean and DASH diets, designed to support cognitive function and lower risk of neurodegenerative decline.

  • Carcinogen

    A substance that increases the likelihood of cancer development, commonly found in tobacco, alcohol, and certain processed meats.

  • Arthritis

    A condition characterized by painful joint inflammation due to cartilage breakdown, with symptoms eased by healthy weight and omega-3 intake.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

    Nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and support overall health in older adults.

  • Osteoporosis

    A bone disorder marked by decreased density and increased fracture risk, often prevented by adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

  • Vitamin D

    A nutrient essential for bone health, with increased needs in older adults due to reduced skin synthesis and absorption.

  • Calcium

    A mineral vital for maintaining bone strength, with higher requirements in older adults to counteract age-related bone loss.

  • Vitamin B6

    A vitamin that helps lower risks of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, with increased needs in older adults.

  • Vitamin B12

    A nutrient with unchanged recommended intake in older adults, but often supplemented due to decreased absorption from food with age.

  • Food insecurity

    A state of unreliable access to adequate, nutritious food, influenced by income, physical ability, and social factors in older adults.

  • Meals on Wheels

    A service delivering nutritious meals to homebound older adults, addressing dietary needs but offering limited social interaction.

  • Congregate meals

    Community-based meal programs for older adults, providing both nutrition and opportunities for social engagement.

  • Metabolic rate

    The rate at which the body expends energy, which decreases with age, leading to lower calorie requirements in older adults.

  • Menopause

    A life stage in women marked by the end of menstruation, resulting in reduced iron needs due to cessation of monthly blood loss.