Deck 12: Nutrition Through the Life Span: Later Adulthood

Question 1

How often should older adults participate in strength training exercises?

A) a t least five days per week
B) a t least two days per week
C) a t least one day per week
D) e very other (nonconsecutive) week
E) a s often as they are able

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Studies suggest that a diet providing ample carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E may help to prevent the early onset of cataracts.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

As a general rule, adult energy needs decline an estimated 15 percent every decade.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Older adults spend more money per person on foods to eat at home than other age groups.

Question 5

Because total body water decreases as people age, mild stresses such as hot weather can precipitate hypertension in older adults.

Question 6

Resistance training in adults older than age 85 has been shown to:

A) increase energy expenditure.
B) increase falls.
C) decrease energy intake.
D) reduce hypertension.
E) prevent dehydration.

Question 7

Zinc intake is commonly low in older adults.

Question 8

Increasing evidence suggests that overweight and obesity in middle age are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Question 9

Overweight people with osteoarthritis should avoid weight-bearing physical activities, such as jogging, as these types of activities place too much pressure on inflamed joints.

Question 10

As people grow older, the use of medicines becomes commonplace, thus increasing the potential for diet-medication interactions.

Question 11

The elderly are more likely to have medical conditions or to take medications that may compromise folate status.

Question 12

Appropriate energy intake among older adults helps prevent obesity, diabetes, and related cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension and may influence the development of some forms of cancer.

Question 13

The fastest growing age group in the U.S. population is people over:

A) 50.
B) 65.
C) 75.
D) 85.
E) 100.

Question 14

Many older adults fail to obtain the recommended daily 25 or more grams of fiber.

Question 15

Life expectancy in the U.S. is currently _____ years.

A) 68
B) 72
C) 75
D) 79
E) 84

Question 16

Older adults can safely participate in aerobic activity and resistance training until age 85, when the risk of injury from activity is greater than its benefits. 

Question 17

Despite adopting healthy lifestyle habits, people cannot slow the aging process because of the natural limits set by heredity.

Question 18

People living in poverty are typically unable to buy sufficient amounts of nourishing foods, unless they are skilled in food shopping and can make good choices.

Question 19

Lifestyle habits that can have a profound influence on health and on physiological age include:

A) following a meat-based eating pattern.
B) engaging in physical activity weekly.
C) avoiding all forms of alcohol.
D) getting at least six hours of sleep each night.
E) having a sense of purpose.

Question 20

Currently the protein needs of older adults appear to be about the same as those of younger people.

Question 21

Intake of what substance has been shown to reduce the risk of progression of macular degeneration among those who already have the disease?

A) Vitamin D
B) Calcium
C) Vitamin E
D) Zinc
E) Iron

Question 22

Fat intakes should be moderate in the diets of most older adults because:

A) cutting fat helps alleviate constipation.
B) cutting fat helps to slow the development of atherosclerosis.
C) cutting fat helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
D) cutting fat helps increase lean body mass.
E) cutting fat helps to improve physical activity.

Question 23

Food restriction may extend the life-span by preventing:

A) lipid oxidation.
B) gene expression.
C) protein accumulation.
D) insulin reduction.
E) hormone synthesis.

Question 24

The best choice for older adults with small energy allowances is to:

A) take vitamin-mineral supplements.
B) select nutrient-dense foods.
C) consume less food.
D) control alcohol consumption.
E) increase fluid intake.

Question 25

Protein is especially important for older adults to:

A) decrease muscle mass.
B) rebuild aging bones.
C) support a healthy immune system.
D) prevent macular degeneration.
E) improve hormone secretion.

Question 26

What describes a typical age-related change that is associated with  Alzheimer's disease?

A) b ecoming suspicious of unfamiliar people
B) n eeding help recording a television program
C) b eing unable to retrace steps
D) w ithdrawing from social activities
E) f orgetting where common items should normally be located

Question 27

The estimated energy requirements for adults decrease steadily after age:

A) 19.
B) 30.
C) 40.
D) 51.
E) 65.

Question 28

Factors such as _____ often limit older adults' abilities to obtain enough daily fiber in their diets.

A) busy schedules
B) frequent muscle and joint pain
C) poor access to clean water
D) cognitive impairments
E) chewing problems

Question 29

Sarcopenia refers to:

A) loss of muscle mass.
B) a vitamin deficiency.
C) bone loss.
D) malnutrition associated with aging.
E) gradual loss of memory and reasoning ability.

Question 30

An example of a factor that may lead to iron deficiency among older adults is:

A) decreased vitamin A intake.
B) poor cognition.
C) lead toxicity.
D) reduced secretion of stomach acid.
E) poor intake of dairy products.

Question 31

A malnourished older adult would most likely benefit from and accept which source of protein?

A) lean meat
B) a milkshake
C) boiled eggs
D) whole-grain bread
E) cooked legumes

Question 32

Adults age 51 to 70 need _____ micrograms of vitamin D daily to prevent bone loss.

A) 8
B) 12
C) 15
D) 18
E) 22

Question 33

Supplements such as glucosamine and _____ may help to alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis, although additional research is needed.

A) watercress
B) inositol
C) dimethyl sulfoxide
D) burdock root
E) chondroitin

Question 34

An estimated _____% of adults 51 years and older lose the ability to absorb vitamin B₁₂ due to atrophic gastritis.

A) 5 to 10
B) 10 to 30
C) 15 to 35
D) 20 to 35
E) 40 to 50

Question 35

The most important nutrition concern for the person with Alzheimer's disease is:

A) being allowed to choose his own foods.
B) following a strict eating schedule.
C) maintaining an appropriate body weight.
D) keeping a regimen of dietary supplements.
E) knowing when the next meal will be.

Question 36

Older women should take in a total of _____ cups of beverages per day to prevent dehydration.

A) 4
B) 6
C) 9
D) 13
E) 15

Question 37

Older adults face a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency than young people due to:

A) poor consumption of meat.
B) low intake of vegetables.
C) limited exposure to sunlight.
D) low intake of fiber.
E) decreased fluid intake.

Question 38

Zinc deficiency leads to what type of physical symptom in older adults?

A) a  blunted sense of taste
B) i ncreased gastrointestinal motility and diarrhea
C) r inging in the ears
D) p inpoint rash on the face and neck
E) n umbness and tingling in the hands and fingers

Question 39

Severe fat restriction among older adults may lead to:

A) nutrient deficiencies.
B) weight gain.
C) greater risk of cancer.
D) dehydration.
E) muscle injuries.

Question 40

An adequate calcium intake throughout life helps protect against:

A) liver cancer.
B) osteoporosis.
C) diabetes.
D) cardiovascular disease.
E) dementia.

Question 41

Characteristics of foods preferred by many older adults include:

A) easy-to-open packages.
B) multiple-serving packages.
C) comprehensive labeling.
D) bright packages with many pictures.
E) sweet or salty tasting items.

Question 42

Which activity is associated with the work of a food recovery program?

A) c ollecting unused WIC vouchers
B) p icking berries in an already harvested field
C) p roviding debit cards for participants to purchase healthy food
D) s erving balanced meals to large groups in the community
E) p lanning community gardens for low-income families

Question 43

An older adult who lives alone but who only has access to larger packages of food can best use food wisely and avoid waste by:

A) eating larger quantities of food at each sitting.
B) inviting a friend for a meal.
C) shopping at convenience stores.
D) giving the leftover food to a pet.
E) decreasing overall food intake.

Question 44

Mrs. Wylie is a 78-year-old Caucasian woman who lives alone in a small, one-story home she and her husband purchased several years ago before he died. She lives on social security income and her deceased husband's corporate pension, and is financially secure. Though she is in relatively good health, she has been having increasing difficulty walking for the past several years, which has been attributed to peripheral vascular disease. She complains of weakness and pain in her legs and a loss of feeling in her fingers and feet. She also suffers from occasional constipation. She is happiest just doing her activities of daily living, such as preparing breakfast, lunch, and a late-afternoon snack, then relaxing in her living room until it is time for bed. She has a good relationship with her adult children, who have been discussing with her the possibility of hiring a visiting nurse as her mobility declines. Her children take turns visiting on Sundays, when they help with her shopping, laundry, and other tasks, but none live close enough to visit daily, and Mrs. Wylie sometimes goes a week without seeing another person. Lately, Mrs. Wylie has been cutting back on drinking water (or any beverages) to save trips to the bathroom. When mild dehydration was noted at a recent visit to the doctor, Mrs. Wylie told her doctor she would try to drink more often, but she is rarely thirsty. She takes seven different prescription and/or over-the-counter medications daily, including a proton pump inhibitor drug for long-standing GERD and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
The DRI committee recommends that adults aged 51 years and older obtain 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B₁₂ daily and that vitamin B₁₂-fortified foods (such as fortified cereals) or supplements be used to meet much of the DRI recommended intake. Mrs. Wylie should be placed on a vitamin B₁₂ supplement because:

A) she is at risk of depression.
B) she has not been drinking enough water.
C) she is socially isolated.
D) she has neurologic symptoms consistent with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.
E) she has mobility problems.

Question 45

The largest federal food assistance program is:

A) WIC.
B) SNAP.
C) WHO.
D) OAA.
E) Meals on Wheels.

Question 46

In order to save money and use food wisely, a single older adult can purchase food items in bulk that have plenty of nutrients and that have a long shelf-life, such as

A) dried apricots.
B) pretzels.
C) dried beans.
D) whole-grain bread.
E) eggs.

Question 47

Martin is a 71-year-old patient who has asked about how he can stay healthy as he gets older. An effective strategy to suggest to Martin might be to:

A) drink 4 to 6 glasses of water a day.
B) avoid extremes in temperature changes.
C) utilize herbal preparations to control symptoms of aging.
D) avoid caffeine intake through foods and beverages.
E) maintain appropriate body weight.

Question 48

Which food assistance program would most likely improve the intake of fruits and vegetables among low-income older adults?

A) OAA Nutrition Program
B) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
C) Meals on Wheals
D) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
E) Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)

Question 49

The most common drug that can affect nutrition in older people is:

A) alcohol.
B) laxatives.
C) antacids.
D) aspirin.
E) nicotine.

Question 50

Older adults who live alone are at greater risk of malnourishment because they:

A) make poor food choices.
B) are more likely to be depressed.
C) consume too little food.
D) do not have enough money.
E) cannot prepare food.

Question 51

Few older adults consume the recommend amount of _____ due to complaints about stomach discomfort.

A) meat
B) fruit
C) milk
D) bread
E) vegetables

Question 52

Mrs. Wylie is a 78-year-old Caucasian woman who lives alone in a small, one-story home she and her husband purchased several years ago before he died. She lives on social security income and her deceased husband's corporate pension, and is financially secure. Though she is in relatively good health, she has been having increasing difficulty walking for the past several years, which has been attributed to peripheral vascular disease. She complains of weakness and pain in her legs and a loss of feeling in her fingers and feet. She also suffers from occasional constipation. She is happiest just doing her activities of daily living, such as preparing breakfast, lunch, and a late-afternoon snack, then relaxing in her living room until it is time for bed. She has a good relationship with her adult children, who have been discussing with her the possibility of hiring a visiting nurse as her mobility declines. Her children take turns visiting on Sundays, when they help with her shopping, laundry, and other tasks, but none live close enough to visit daily, and Mrs. Wylie sometimes goes a week without seeing another person. Lately, Mrs. Wylie has been cutting back on drinking water (or any beverages) to save trips to the bathroom. When mild dehydration was noted at a recent visit to the doctor, Mrs. Wylie told her doctor she would try to drink more often, but she is rarely thirsty. She takes seven different prescription and/or over-the-counter medications daily, including a proton pump inhibitor drug for long-standing GERD and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
Given the information provided, what describes the greatest risk factor for Mrs. Wylie?

A) v itamin D deficiency
B) d epression
C) i njury
D) h igh blood pressure

Question 53

Iron status in women generally improves:

A) after menopause.
B) with daily exercise.
C) as muscle mass decreases.
D) during perimenopause.
E) with enough zinc intake.

Question 54

Mrs. Wylie is a 78-year-old Caucasian woman who lives alone in a small, one-story home she and her husband purchased several years ago before he died. She lives on social security income and her deceased husband's corporate pension, and is financially secure. Though she is in relatively good health, she has been having increasing difficulty walking for the past several years, which has been attributed to peripheral vascular disease. She complains of weakness and pain in her legs and a loss of feeling in her fingers and feet. She also suffers from occasional constipation. She is happiest just doing her activities of daily living, such as preparing breakfast, lunch, and a late-afternoon snack, then relaxing in her living room until it is time for bed. She has a good relationship with her adult children, who have been discussing with her the possibility of hiring a visiting nurse as her mobility declines. Her children take turns visiting on Sundays, when they help with her shopping, laundry, and other tasks, but none live close enough to visit daily, and Mrs. Wylie sometimes goes a week without seeing another person. Lately, Mrs. Wylie has been cutting back on drinking water (or any beverages) to save trips to the bathroom. When mild dehydration was noted at a recent visit to the doctor, Mrs. Wylie told her doctor she would try to drink more often, but she is rarely thirsty. She takes seven different prescription and/or over-the-counter medications daily, including a proton pump inhibitor drug for long-standing GERD and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
Older adults at risk nutritionally, such as Mrs. Wylie, should have their diets assessed at medical appointments for:

A) magnesium and folate.
B) calcium, iron, and zinc.
C) vitamins A, E, and C.
D) sodium and protein.
E) potassium and chloride.

Question 55

Mrs. Wylie is a 78-year-old Caucasian woman who lives alone in a small, one-story home she and her husband purchased several years ago before he died. She lives on social security income and her deceased husband's corporate pension, and is financially secure. Though she is in relatively good health, she has been having increasing difficulty walking for the past several years, which has been attributed to peripheral vascular disease. She complains of weakness and pain in her legs and a loss of feeling in her fingers and feet. She also suffers from occasional constipation. She is happiest just doing her activities of daily living, such as preparing breakfast, lunch, and a late-afternoon snack, then relaxing in her living room until it is time for bed. She has a good relationship with her adult children, who have been discussing with her the possibility of hiring a visiting nurse as her mobility declines. Her children take turns visiting on Sundays, when they help with her shopping, laundry, and other tasks, but none live close enough to visit daily, and Mrs. Wylie sometimes goes a week without seeing another person. Lately, Mrs. Wylie has been cutting back on drinking water (or any beverages) to save trips to the bathroom. When mild dehydration was noted at a recent visit to the doctor, Mrs. Wylie told her doctor she would try to drink more often, but she is rarely thirsty. She takes seven different prescription and/or over-the-counter medications daily, including a proton pump inhibitor drug for long-standing GERD and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
The doctor addresses the importance of hydration with Mrs. Wylie. Dehydration can lead to which complication for Mrs. Wylie?

A) c ompromised mental status
B) g astric ulcers
C) p eripheral edema
D) d iarrhea
E) g um disease

Question 56

The primary cause of hunger in developed countries is:

A) poverty.
B) war.
C) mental illness.
D) politics.
E) food waste.

Question 57

Mrs. Wylie is a 78-year-old Caucasian woman who lives alone in a small, one-story home she and her husband purchased several years ago before he died. She lives on social security income and her deceased husband's corporate pension, and is financially secure. Though she is in relatively good health, she has been having increasing difficulty walking for the past several years, which has been attributed to peripheral vascular disease. She complains of weakness and pain in her legs and a loss of feeling in her fingers and feet. She also suffers from occasional constipation. She is happiest just doing her activities of daily living, such as preparing breakfast, lunch, and a late-afternoon snack, then relaxing in her living room until it is time for bed. She has a good relationship with her adult children, who have been discussing with her the possibility of hiring a visiting nurse as her mobility declines. Her children take turns visiting on Sundays, when they help with her shopping, laundry, and other tasks, but none live close enough to visit daily, and Mrs. Wylie sometimes goes a week without seeing another person. Lately, Mrs. Wylie has been cutting back on drinking water (or any beverages) to save trips to the bathroom. When mild dehydration was noted at a recent visit to the doctor, Mrs. Wylie told her doctor she would try to drink more often, but she is rarely thirsty. She takes seven different prescription and/or over-the-counter medications daily, including a proton pump inhibitor drug for long-standing GERD and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
Which statement made by Mrs. Wylie indicates that she will take measures to maintain hydration status?

A) "I will start drinking two cups of coffee in the morning."
B) "I will try to drink a measured amount of water, juice, or milk each day."
C) "I will have my hydration status monitored at each medical appointment."
D) "I will drink water, juice, or milk each time I am thirsty."
E) "I will stop taking my 'water pill' so I don't have to use the bathroom as often."

Question 58

Approximately _____ households in the United States currently experience marginal food security.

A) 2 million
B) 6 million
C) 9.5 million
D) 15 million
E) 24 million

Question 59

Which group of older adults is most likely to be poorly nourished?

A) women living with their children in federally-funded housing
B) men with limited education
C) those who have recently experienced lifestyle changes
D) men who live alone
E) women who often care for their grandchildren

Question 60

What describes a common risk factor for malnutrition in older adults?

A) persistent diarrhea
B) eating disorders
C) economic hardship
D) residence at an assisted-living community
E) care of pets

Question 62

Why is dehydration a risk for older adults?

Question 63

Describe possible relationships between cataracts and nutrition.

Question 64

Why are some elderly people at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency?

Question 65

Discuss the possible roles of nutrition in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Question 66

Discuss ways that older adults can stretch their food dollars.