HIgh malnutrition rates suspected among elderly

Up to one in six older adults living on their own may not be getting adequate nutrition, a study from Sweden suggests.  Researchers found that among 579adults ages 75 to 80 years, nearly 15 percent were at risk ofmalnutrition, based on their diet, weight and recent weight loss, andphysical and mental well-being.  Women were more likely to beundernourished than men; nearly 19 percent were at risk ofmalnutrition, compared with almost 11 percent of men.  In addition, men and women who weredepressed or described themselves as unhealthy were more likely thanothers to become at risk of malnutrition over the next two to fouryears.  Dr. Yvonne Johansson and her colleagues at Linkoping University report the findings in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Malnutrition and dehydration arecommon in nursing homes, but older adults living at home can also be atrisk, for various reasons — such as poor appetite and mobilityproblems that limit their ability to shop and cook.  The current findings suggest thatdoctors should regularly assess older adults’ nutritional status,symptoms of depression and their perceptions of their own health,according to Johansson. “This makes it possible toindividualize the care of older home-living people in cooperation withdifferent  rofessionals in health and medical care and home-careservices,” she told Reuters Health.  Older adults can also take steps toensure they are adequately nourished, according to Johansson. Shesuggested eating several smaller meals and snacks throughout the day;people’s appetites often wane as they age, and many older adults maynot be able to manage large meals.  But even though older adults’ calorieneeds may not be what they used to be, Johansson said, their nutrientneeds stay the same — or may increase. So it’s important, she noted,to keep this in mind in meal planning, and choose foods rich innutrients like protein, fiber, “good” fats, vitamins and minerals.

Source:  Reuters Health: http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2009/05/18/eline/links/20090518elin002.html

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