Elderly people with food allergies: PART 1
More than 54 million people in the US are aged 65 or older, with this figure expected to continue to increase over the next 20 years. Similar trends are seen across the globe, with 11% of the population classified as elderly in Israel in 2015- a number with an expected 77% increase over the next 15 years. In Israel, the percentage of the elderly population living in nursing homes stands at 4.5%, assisted living facilities 2%, leaving most of this population still living within the community. The presence of food allergies within the elderly community is currently estimated between 5%-10%. Still, the real figure is much higher due to the population being underdiagnosed, with a recent study showing numbers at high as 20% in those aged 60 to 79.
----------Food allergies can be particularly dangerous for seniors due to their weakened immune systems----------
These numbers pose a significant challenge to the ever-growing prevalence of food allergies in the elderly population, a greatly under-researched sector. Excuses given for the lack of research include; subjects are too tired to properly use in the study, their lack of interest in science, and reliability, among others. However, those are just that- excuses. With food allergies on a drastic rise and the lifespan increase over the last 20 years, researchers must focus on this sector of the food allergy community as quickly as possible. Further research into the senior population's food allergies is critical as any allergy that can affect a whole food group needs to be closely monitored to avoid a vitamin or mineral deficiency- increasing the risks of malnutrition, an issue particularly prominent in this population.
------ Australia- Over the past 3 years, there has been a 5 fold increase in hospital admissions due to anaphylaxis. Of these hospitalizations, the 55 to 74 age group are seen to suffer a higher degree of fatal anaphylactic reactions. --------
Most Common Food Allergies in adults
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Seafood
Summary of Facts
| Age 20-30 | Food Allergies | Age > 65 |
| Low | Multi-medication | High |
| Good | Accuracy of SPT's | Often False negative |
| Normal | Formation of Anti-bodies | Impaired |
| Normal | Frequency of Allergic Symptoms | Reduced |
| Normal | The extent of Allergic Symptoms | High due to co-medications |
| Usually Normal | Response to Epinephrine | Reduced |
Conclusion
Managing a food allergy as a senior presents unique challenges to an already more complicated period in one's life. The situation is especially delicate when dealing with food allergies as a couple- when one spouse has a sudden onset of food allergies when placing an older person in a care facility or making decisions regarding a person with dementia who has a food allergy. We will explore these topics in future articles.
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