Older Adults and Food Safety: Why are Older Adults at Risk for Foodborne Illness?

As we age, the ability of our immune system to function at normal levels decreases. The immune system is one of the most important mechanisms for fighting disease and preserving health, so a decrease in the level of disease-fighting cells is a significant factor in the number of infections that may occur. In addition to the normal decrease in the function of the immune system as part of the aging process, undergoing major surgery also affects the body’s ability to fight infections. To counteract the effects of aging on the immune system, long-term regular exercise is important.

As we age, inflammation of the lining of the stomach and a decrease in stomach acid occur. Because the stomach plays an important role in limiting the number of bacteria that enter the small intestine, a decrease or loss of stomach acidity increases the likelihood of infection if a pathogen is ingested with food or water. Also adding to the problem is the slowdown of the digestive process, allowing for the rapid growth of pathogens in the gut and the possible formation of toxins.

You may be wondering what malnutrition has to do with foodborne illness. They are connected. Malnutrition leads to increased incidence of infections, including those resulting from foodborne bacteria. Malnutrition occurs in older adults for many reasons. A decrease in the pleasure of eating may be one reason. Medication, digestive disorders, chronic illnesses, physical disabilities or depression may result in a loss of appetite. Good nutrition is an important factor in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, sometimes blood or pus in the stools, headache, vomiting and severe exhaustion. However, symptoms will vary according to the type of bacteria and amount of contaminants eaten. Symptoms may appear as early as half an hour after eating the contaminated food or they may not develop for several days or weeks. They usually last only a day or two, but in some cases can persist for a week to 10 days. For most healthy people, foodborne illnesses neither are long-lasting nor life-threatening. However, they can be severe in older adults.

If you suspect you or a family member has foodborne illness, follow these general guidelines:

1. Preserve the evidence. If a portion of the suspect food is available, wrap it securely, mark it with “danger” and refrigerate it. Save all the packaging materials, such as cans or cartons. Write down the food type, the date and time consumed and when the symptoms started. Save any identical unopened products.

2. Seek treatment immediately.

3. Call the local health department if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, from a restaurant or other food service facility, or if it is a commercial product.

4. Call the Food and Drug Administration Consumer Food Information Line at (800) 332-4010 if you have questions.