Malnutrition Is on the Rise in Older Adults -- How to Spot the Signs

Studies indicate that people 65 and older are more likely to be malnourished than any other age group — and this number is growing, reports The Conversation . In Britain, adults over 60 who were hospitalized for malnutrition rose from 1,405 in 2008 to almost 5,000 in 2018. Possible contributing factors to malnutrition among seniors include swallowing difficulties, poor dentition, limited mobility, acute and chronic illnesses, and failing to meet changing nutrient demands. Moreover, nearly 93 percent of people who are malnourished live at home, and are susceptible to loneliness, depression, an inability to cook for themselves, difficulty accessing shops, and low income. Common signs of malnutrition in older people may include looser clothing, jewelry, and dentures, along with reduced appetite, lack of interest in food, tiredness, mood swings, and frailty. The first step in preventing and managing malnutrition is to concentrate on boosting caloric and protein consumption with a food-first strategy, which aims to improve nutrition solely through diet. People also may require assistance with eating and drinking, while lonely seniors might improve their appetite by eating in a pleasant environment.