Abstract
The older population is increasing worldwide and in many countries older people will outnumber younger people in the near future. This projected growth in the older population has the potential to place significant burdens on healthcare and support services. Meeting the diet and nutrition needs of older people is therefore crucial for the maintenance of health, functional independence and quality of life. While many older adults remain healthy and eat well those in poorer health may experience difficulties in meeting their nutritional needs. Malnutrition, encompassing both under and over nutrition increases health risks in the older population. More recently the increase in obesity, and in turn the incidence of chronic disease in older adults, now justifies weight management interventions in obese older adults. This growing population group is becoming increasingly diverse in their nutritional requirements. Micro-nutrient status may fluctuate and shortfalls in vitamin D, iron and a number of other nutrients are relatively common and can impact on well-being and quality of life. Aging presents a number of challenges for the maintenance of good nutritional health in older adults.
Highlights
Improvements in public health and medical care are well acknowledged factors in the large improvements in infant and childhood mortality observed in the first half of the 20th century
Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of bone health and muscle strength and deficiency in older adults may impact on functional capacity and increase the risk of falls
European and USA data show similar trends [26]. This is in marked contrast to earlier decades when obesity was less common and prevalence increased with age, peaking around age 60 and declining [25]
Summary
Improvements in public health and medical care are well acknowledged factors in the large improvements in infant and childhood mortality observed in the first half of the 20th century. Increased longevity in adults is increasingly common in the developed world These demographic changes have resulted in increasing numbers and proportions of the adult population aged over the age of 60. The time when older people will outnumber younger people is rapidly approaching, it is estimated that by the year 2025 the number of people worldwide aged 60 and over will exceed 1.2 billion [1]. This projected growth in the older population will create significant additional demands on healthcare and support services [2]. Maintaining a good nutritional status has significant implications for health and wellbeing, delaying and reducing the risk of developing disease, maintaining functional independence and promoting continued independent living [3]
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