What is an age-related change that affects the nutritional needs of older adults?

As individuals age, one significant change that occurs is a decrease in saliva production. This alteration impacts the ability to chew and swallow food comfortably, which can lead to difficulties in eating and thus affect nutritional intake. Reduced saliva can make it harder to digest food properly, and the texture of some foods may become less palatable, potentially leading to a decreased desire to eat.

Consequently, older adults may struggle with adequate nutrition due to these oral health changes. In contrast, the other options, such as an increased need for calories or improved appetite, do not typically reflect the reality of aging; older adults often experience a decreased caloric need and may have changes in appetite as well. Additionally, increased thirst may not be a universal age-related change and can vary among individuals due to other health conditions or medications. Therefore, understanding the decrease in saliva production highlights an important aspect of the nutritional challenges that older adults may face.