There are different nutritional challenges in older adults as each generation of elderly persons are shaped by lifelong experiences within a changing environment. Living conditions were associated with unsafe water supplies, sewage, and waste disposal.
Public health services were minimal, Nigeria was ranked 187 by the World Health Organization’s Ranking of the World’s Health Systems. Food production and distribution were essentially unregulated from the health point of view.
The majority of older adults today live independently in their chosen communities. Nevertheless, they may be placed at nutritional risk at some stage of the aging process if food-related activities are disrupted. This may include factors such as living situation, socioeconomic status, and access to food-related support services.
Independent elderly couples are the least at risk. Living alone increases the chance of not eating regularly, particularly among men, unless opportunities to socialize and share meals are available. Some studies have linked dietary variety with longevity.
Females spend less money than males. Of the total food expenditure, the elderly allocates less money to eating out than other lifecycle groups. This had been attributed to decreased mobility, reduced income, and fewer opportunities to purchase foods away from home.
Some medications cause nausea, reduced appetite, and change food tastes perceptions. In this case, the side effects can discourage you from eating, and end up skipping meals.
Social isolation may be a major contributor to emotional depression; this can result in deterioration of health, accelerated by decreased interest in food, which eventually results in loss of ability to manage self-care.
All these issues compounded can lead to depression. Seniors may become apathetic about their health and avoid eating. If left untreated, depression can lead to much more significant health problems.
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