Final answer:
Elderly individuals may experience nutritional challenges due to age-related declines in the integrity of the digestive system, including difficulties with chewing and swallowing, decreased production of digestive enzymes, and a range of digestive pathologies. Psychological factors and decreased appetite due to diseases can further unsettle nutrition in the elderly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elderly persons may have difficulty getting adequate nutrition due to age-related issues with chewing and swallowing and a decreased production of digestive enzymes. Changes in the digestive system with age can lead to various challenges. For instance, reduced sensitivity of taste buds and dental issues such as lost teeth, diseased gums, and inadequate saliva production make eating less appealing and more challenging. Additionally, swallowing difficulties and a slower passage of food through the alimentary canal result from diminished strength and tone of muscular tissue. Furthermore, there is a decline in neurosensory feedback, which slows down the release of enzymes and hormones necessary for digestion.
Psychological factors such as worry and anxiety can also suppress appetite and disrupt digestion. On the other hand, pleasant surroundings and good company can enhance the consumption of food. Malnutrition is a concern with conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and chronic diseases, which can reduce appetite or hinder proper digestion. Dental problems in the elderly not only complicate eating but also can lead to malnutrition and exacerbate other health conditions.
Finally, pathologies like hiatal hernia, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease more commonly afflict older adults, while small and large intestine issues can lead to malabsorption and constipation. Conditions affecting accessory organs, such as the liver and pancreas, interfere with the delivery of enzymes and bile, which are crucial for the digestive process.