Why is vitamin D important for older adults?

Prepare for the Nursing Care of Older Adults Exam 1 with study materials including flashcards and detailed questions. Enhance your understanding and readiness for your nursing journey!

Multiple Choice

Why is vitamin D important for older adults?

Explanation:
Vitamin D is crucial for older adults primarily because it plays a significant role in supporting immune function and maintaining bone health. As individuals age, they often experience a decrease in bone density, making them more susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut, which is vital for the formation and maintenance of strong bones. Additionally, vitamin D is known to be important for the immune system, helping to enhance the body’s defenses against infections and diseases. Older adults often have a weakened immune response, making this vitamin essential for their overall health and well-being. While other options mention issues like hair loss, skin elasticity, and digestion, these are not the primary functions or benefits attributed to vitamin D in older adults. Thus, the correct choice underscores the vitamin's vital role in two critical areas: the immune system and bone health.

Vitamin D is crucial for older adults primarily because it plays a significant role in supporting immune function and maintaining bone health. As individuals age, they often experience a decrease in bone density, making them more susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut, which is vital for the formation and maintenance of strong bones.

Additionally, vitamin D is known to be important for the immune system, helping to enhance the body’s defenses against infections and diseases. Older adults often have a weakened immune response, making this vitamin essential for their overall health and well-being.

While other options mention issues like hair loss, skin elasticity, and digestion, these are not the primary functions or benefits attributed to vitamin D in older adults. Thus, the correct choice underscores the vitamin's vital role in two critical areas: the immune system and bone health.

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