Nutrition for Specific Groups (Birth to Death) and Developmental Psychology (Part 2)
- Explain and give advice regarding the nutritional needs in the adolescence, adult and older adult
stages of life
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the influence of age, growth, physiological changes
and normal development on nutritional requirements in the adolescence, adult and older adult stages
of life
- Give dietary information and advice to clients of different target groups (from puberty to old age)
regarding products.
Developmental Psychology (Part 2)
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of social, cognitive and language development from
puberty to elderly.
Adolescence
Biological, psychological and social changes
Rapid growth (15-25% height, 40-50% weight)
Pubertal onset
Genetic component
Environmental factors (undernutrition delays pubertal onsets)thr
Secondary sexual characteristics
Biological and emotional changes
Three phases of adolescence
Early adolescence: 9 – 13 years:
Most important physical changes
Changes is relationships with parents and peers
Group is important
Act more emotional and sensitive
Impulsive and sensitive to rewards
Mid-adolescence: 4 – 16 years
Independence increases (emotional separation from parents)
Experimenting, want a feeling of sensation (and are unable to look at the consequences of their
behavior)
Mood swings
Late adolescence: 17 – adulthood
More self-conscious
Developing their own identity
Less sensitive to group pressure
Able to look at the long term consequences of their behavior
Physical changes in adolescence
Formal-operational period (Piaget)
Developing the ability to use abstract concepts
Think hypothetically about the future
Logical reasoning with hypothetical problems
o If all A’s are B’s, and C is an A, than C is a …
Capable of introspection (thinking about their own thinking)
, In adolescence: development of selective attention and divided attention
Children under 11 years are better able to remember peripheral information. That is, information not
part of the main task
Adolescents behavior and nutrition
Body composition changes
Dietary patterns influenced by:
Peers and parental modeling
Food availability/preferences and cst/convenience
Personal/cultural beliefs
Mass media
Body image
*teens tend to snack/miss meals/eat away from home/eat fast food/diet more than younger people
*inadequate intake of micronutrients
*food rules at home related to healthy food choices
Adults
Women changing needs:
Menstruation: more Fe
Pregnancy & lactation: more folic acid, protein, Fe
Menopause: more Ca and vitamin D
Menopause
Decreased estrogen levels big impact:
Bone density decreases Ca and vitamin D intake
Energy expenditure more efficient weight gain
Hot flushes (due to malfunctioning thermoregulation)
Sleeping disorders
Saliva production decreases
Mood changes sometimes depression
Risk factors for osteoporosis
Ageing bone mass decreases risk factor: fractures increases
Women: higher chance osteoporosis after menopause
Men: higher chance above 70 years
Unchangeable risks
Your sex
Age
Race
Family history
Body frame size
Hormone levels
Sex hormones
Thyroid problems
Other glands
Steroids and other medications
Dietary factors
Low calcium intake
, Eating disorders
Gastrointestinal surgery
Lifestyle choices
Sedentary lifestyle
Excessive alcohol alcohol
Tobacco use
Medical conditions
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Kidney or liver disease
Cancer
Lupus
Multiple myeloma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ageing: physiological changes
Body composition: increase in body mass fat and decrease in lean body mass (muscles)
Decrease functions kidneys
Decrease in saliva/mucus production (dry mouth/suboptimal digestion)
Inadequate intestinal absorption of calcium, zinc, vitamin D
Atrofic gastritis intrinsic factor decreases vitamin B12 absorption decreases
Losing sense of taste/smell ( risk of less interest in food)
Elderly and water
In older adults increased risk of dehydration
Decreased thirst response
Reduction in kidney function more water needed
1.7 liters/day recommended
Diuretic medications, alcohol increase fluid excretion and can contribute to dehydration
Be aware: people suffering from urinary incontinence and constipation, illness, and hot summers
Psychological well-being in the elderly
Psychological well-being consists of:
Ryff’s six dimensions of psychological well-being (eudaimonic well-being): self-acceptance, positive
relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth
Life satisfaction: a person’s cognitive assessment of satisfaction with his/hers life. Remain high into the
60s and early 70s and the drops when satisfaction with health, social life, and leisure activities decrease
in late life
Positive and negative affect (hedonic well-being): older adults often display better emotional well-being
than younger adults
The elderly and nutrition
Recommendations that are especially important for the elderly:
Energy requirement decrease with increasing age. Accordingly, limit the use of products with a high
energy density, such as soft drinks, alcohol and snacks. Eat more food with a favourable nutrient density
Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain products each day, as these promote regular bowel
movements and prevent cardiovascular disease
Eat fish twice a week, including oily fish once a week. This helps prevent cardiovascular disease and may
also help to prevent visual disorders, and cognitive decline.
Take extra vitamin D for healthy bones
Take sufficient exercise