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A Scoping Review of the Literature on Correlates of Anorexia of Aging: Relevance for Public Health Prevention Strategies
Anorexia of aging (i.e. the decrease or loss of appetite with aging; AA) is an important public health issue. AA leads to weight loss, which is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality among seniors. AA has mainly been studied in a biological perspective and was even regarded as normal physiological consequence of the aging process itself, rather than a negative health outcome with underlying determinants. However, some potentially modifiable psychological and social determinants were found to be associated with this eating disorder.
Objectives and Methods
A scoping review of the literature using the Arskey & O'Malley (2005) procedures was performed to (1) identify correlates of AA, and to (2) assess their relevance to develop preventive public health strategies.
Results
The results indicate that there are two main categories of correlates for AA, namely physiological and non-physiological. The first category relates to physiological dysfunction and other pathologies involving neurotransmitters and/or hormonal dysregulation. These correlates are often regarded as non-modifiable. The second category, which contains fewer correlates, includes potentially modifiable public health targets such as polypharmacy, and psychological, nutritional, social, cultural and environmental correlates.
Conclusion
Several correlates of AA have been identified. Some of them are potentially modifiable in a public health perspective. Their detailed study is required to design and implement public health interventions aimed at preventing loss of appetite in the elderly population.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related nursingPublic health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Identify correlates of anorexia of aging.
Assess the relevance of these correlates to develop preventive public health strategies.
Keyword(s): Aging, Nutrition
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal author of this research as well as other in nutrition and aging. I am well aware of different eating and weight-related disorders among seniors and of public health prevention strategies.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.