Older Adults in Hospitals: Linking Depression and Nutrition
摘要
With aging, both physiological and psychological changes occur in the body. In addition to the health problems associated with aging, changes in social life can negatively impact mental health. Individuals staying in hospitals are prone to depression due to factors, such as increased anxiety levels and loss of independence, in addition to serious health problems. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining and sustaining health during the aging process and accelerating the recovery process in the presence of illness. The macro and micronutrients obtained through nutrition are essential for the body’s metabolic activities. Specifically, elements responsible for the production of neurotransmitters associated with depression need to be ingested through nutrition. In the elderly, issues such as tooth loss, gastrointestinal problems, inability to prepare their own meals, and loss of appetite due to the use of multiple medications can lead to inadequate nutrition. Inadequate nutrition disrupts metabolic processes in the body and hinders the production of essential elements for maintaining mental health. Therefore, to prevent geriatric depression, it is essential to evaluate nutrition, and create a nutrition plan tailored to individual needs.