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Nutrition For Older Adults (Ages 50+) definitions

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  • Alzheimer’s disease
    A chronic, progressive brain disorder marked by memory loss and impaired thinking, with risk reduced by specific dietary patterns supporting brain health.
  • MIND diet
    A dietary pattern combining Mediterranean and DASH diets, designed to support cognitive function and lower risk of neurodegenerative decline.
  • Carcinogen
    A substance that increases the likelihood of cancer development, commonly found in tobacco, alcohol, and certain processed meats.
  • Arthritis
    A condition characterized by painful joint inflammation due to cartilage breakdown, with symptoms eased by healthy weight and omega-3 intake.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
    Nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and support overall health in older adults.
  • Osteoporosis
    A bone disorder marked by decreased density and increased fracture risk, often prevented by adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
  • Vitamin D
    A nutrient essential for bone health, with increased needs in older adults due to reduced skin synthesis and absorption.
  • Calcium
    A mineral vital for maintaining bone strength, with higher requirements in older adults to counteract age-related bone loss.
  • Vitamin B6
    A vitamin that helps lower risks of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, with increased needs in older adults.
  • Vitamin B12
    A nutrient with unchanged recommended intake in older adults, but often supplemented due to decreased absorption from food with age.
  • Food insecurity
    A state of unreliable access to adequate, nutritious food, influenced by income, physical ability, and social factors in older adults.
  • Meals on Wheels
    A service delivering nutritious meals to homebound older adults, addressing dietary needs but offering limited social interaction.
  • Congregate meals
    Community-based meal programs for older adults, providing both nutrition and opportunities for social engagement.
  • Metabolic rate
    The rate at which the body expends energy, which decreases with age, leading to lower calorie requirements in older adults.
  • Menopause
    A life stage in women marked by the end of menstruation, resulting in reduced iron needs due to cessation of monthly blood loss.