Abstract

Many older people (70-plus) have more than one chronic condition and a considerable number of them use five or more different drugs - especially for coronary heart disease, diabetes and asthma/COPD. Many of the drugs used by this group of elderly people (e.g. for lowering blood pressure or gastric acid inhibitors) cause side effects such as a dry mouth or nausea. These side effects can in turn lead to eating and drinking problems in these people which results in undernourishment. Subsequently, these people possibly consume too few calories and/or essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fibre. There are indications that older people have shortages of vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc. The problems outlined above occur both in elderly people who live independently (about 93 percent of those over 70) and in those who live in residential care. Long-term research into diet, use of medication and health in older people The above findings were derived from a literature survey on this subject. In addition to the literature survey, eight care providers were interviewed and databases for medical conditions and medication use in 70-plussers were studied. The survey is part of a long-term project which is studying whether it is possible to improve the quality of life and the health of older people through the intake of a daily healthy diet. This may result in them needing fewer drugs. The Wageningen University & Research Centre, the TNO Research Institute and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) are collaborating on this project. Further discussion to take place in 2013 The findings will make up the content for a workshop to be held in 2013. During the workshop, care providers will discuss in more detail the extent to which a daily healthy diet can have a positive effect on the use of medication and on the health of older people.