Malnutrition in Seniors

Malnutrition is exactly what it sounds like, which is to say a lack of nutrition. However, the reasons why it happens, especially in seniors, is much more complex. Most often, it’s a combination of problems.

Health care issues, which often plague older adults, can lead to a decreased appetite or trouble ingesting food. Problems like Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, dental issues and difficulty swallowing, side effects of medications, diminished taste and smell, or abdominal pain can all cause seniors to eat less than they should be.

Many adults are also on restricted diets for a variety of reasons, such as diabetes or high blood pressure or other conditions can limit the types of food they can intake. Though these diets can help to manage a chronic illness, they can also lead to limited food choices which can result in malnutrition.

Some seniors are also unable to eat properly for reasons such as being unable to afford enough groceries, being unable to drive or navigate the outside world adequately due to mobility issues, or suffering from depression, grief, or loneliness.

This is a problem because malnutrition can lead to a variety of dire health complications, such as a weak immune system, poor wound healing, loss of muscle mass and bone mass, a higher risk of hospitalization, and an increased risk of death.

Many states throughout the country have recognized the issues that malnutrition can cause for seniors, as well as the added stress to the healthcare system. To help prevent malnutrition in the seniors you love, the most important thing is to be observant. Take notice of any changes in weight, and make sure to learn about their daily eating habits.