Nutrition Through the Lifespan

As we grow and develop through our lifespan, our nutritional needs change too.  Through periods of growth, such as infancy and puberty, our body needs more calories and nutrients.  As growth declines, our energy needs and caloric intake decline.  Our food choices can also change depending on the stage of our life.  Social, psychological, economic, physical, and leisure roles change during our life span, thus impacting our nutritional decisions.

INFANCY

Nutrition is very pivotal throughout infancy.  Much of the body’s brain development occurs during the first 2 years of life (Purdue University, 2002).  This is also a time of major growth throughout the body.  Breast milk or fortified formula is the most important food during this time (Purdue University, 2002).  Introduction to different types of foods starts during this period.  It is so important to offer a variety of foods so infants begin to develop a taste for all types (Purdue University, 2002).  Avoidance of sugary foods is highly recommended.

TODDLERHOOD

As infants move into toddlerhood, nutrition needs are still high.  However, during this period, children are often active and busy.  This can make meal time a challenge.  It is important to offer foods that are packed full of nutrients in every bite (Purdue University, 2002).  Toddlers often eat several small meals.  During this time the development of table manners and the importance of sitting at a table for a family meal are introduced and reinforced (Purdue University, 2002).  Toddlers enjoy a sense of independence.  Allowing finger foods and toddler sized utensils helps foster this independence.

ADOLESCENCE

Adolescence is another period of great growth causing a need for increased caloric intake (Purdue University, 2002).  However, this is also a time period where body image and peer acceptance play a huge role (Purdue University, 2002).  It is important, during this stage, to continue to eat family meals at a table together.  This allows parents to model healthy nutrition.  Allowing teens to help plan and make meals lets them take ownership of their diet.  Also, giving teens choices encourages them to continue to eat healthy but have some independence as well.

ADULTHOOD

During adulthood, our caloric needs decrease (Purdue University, 2002).  It is important to continue to eat a variety of foods, limiting sweets and alcohol intake.  Stress and time factors from family and work life can dictate our eating habits in adulthood.  Exercise is a must to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  However, it is often tricky trying to balance family, work, and social life plus fitting in exercise.  Many people begin to face health problems associated with poor nutrition and lack of exercise in adulthood (Purdue University, 2002).  These scares can force people into a more nutritious diet.

OLDER ADULTS

As adults pass into “old age”, their caloric needs greatly decrease (Purdue University, 2002).  Vitamins and minerals are still essential but energy needs go down (Purdue University, 2002).  Now is the time that eating nutrient dense foods become very important.  Many elderly people do not absorb nutrients as efficiently (Purdue University, 2002).  It is not sure why.  Older adults often have difficulty eating meat and chewing hard or chewy foods.  As age progresses, swallowing difficulties may develop.  Another problem facing the elderly is chronic dehydration.  Kidney function diminishes with age often leading to a decreased amount of body fluids (Purdue University, 2002).  Fluids should not be allowed to replace meals but should be offered at meals and encouraged between meals.

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy poses an entirely different set of nutritional needs.  Mom’s caloric needs increase (Purdue University, 2002).  She also has a need for more vitamins and minerals while pregnant and/or breastfeeding g(Purdue University, 2002).  It is increasingly important that expectant moms choose foods that pack a lot of nutrition into one serving.  Gradual weight gain is important.  The optimal total weight gain is 25-30 pounds (Purdue University, 2002).  Pregnant women should increase fluids, specifically water.  They need to limit caffeinated beverages, soft drinks and sugary drinks, and beverages containing aspartame.  A pregnant woman’s lifestyle and poor nutrition habits can lead to a low birth weight baby (less than 5 1/2 pounds) (Purdue University, 2002).  Low birth weight babies are more likely to have medical complications.

Purdue University. (2002). Nutrition through the lifecycle. Retrieved from http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/