Page 348 - Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice

336 U N I T 2 Nutrition in Health Promotion

Obesity Although sarcopenia is a complex and multifactorial process associated with numer-

ous age-related changes, it is facilitated in large part by a sedentary lifestyle and less than

optimal diet (Paddon-Jones et al., 2008). As of now, the only option to improve body

composition is a balanced diet with adequate protein and strength-training exercises using

progressive resistance (Fig. 13.4) (Benton, Whyte, and Dyal, 2011).

There is no consensus on how much protein is necessary to manage or prevent sarcopenia.

A protein intake greater than the RDA has been shown to improve muscle mass, strength, and

function in older adults and may also improve immune status, wound healing, blood pressure,

and bone health (Wolfe et al., 2008). In the Healthy ABC Study cohort, community-dwelling

adults age 70 to 79 years who consumed the highest quintile of protein intake lost approxi-

mately 40% less lean body mass over a 3-year period than participants in the lowest quintile

of protein intake (Houston et al., 2008). A protein intake of 1.5 g/kg/day or approximately

double the current RDA of 0.8 g/kg may be a reasonable goal for optimal health and function

in older adults (Wolfe et al., 2008). Some experts recommend older adults consume 25 to 30 g

of high-quality protein at each of three

QUICK BITE meals, the equivalent of 3 to 4 oz of pro-
tein foods (Symons, Sheffield-Moore,

Wolfe, and Paddon-Jones, 2009). Also

Proteins richest in essential amino acids and recommended is a liberal intake of pro-

leucine teins that are rich in leucine, an essential

Eggs Meat Fish amino acid that stimulates the majority

Dairy Poultry Soy of protein synthesis (Schardt, 2011).

Dietary excesses and physical inactivity have led to an increase in overweight and obesity
among older adults in the past two decades. In 2009–2010, 38% of people age 65 years and

■ F I G U R E 1 3 . 4 An older woman
exercising with dumbbells. Resistance
training, such as weight lifting, is im-
portant for maintaining and building
muscle mass.