Abstract
AbstractA healthy nutritional intake is required to prevent malnutrition. Furthermore, nutrition is associated with improved quality of life in older adults. Simultaneously, many factors influence nutritional intake in later life. Onset and progression of acute or chronic diseases and a reduced dietary intake play a crucial role in developing malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes such as pressure injury, increased length of hospital stays and increased mortality. The aim of the chapter is to increase the nutritional-based knowledge of the interdisciplinary team to prevent malnutrition in all its forms. Therefore, this chapter offers evidence-based information to support interdisciplinary prevention of malnutrition in older adults across diverse healthcare settings.
Highlights
A healthy nutritional intake is required to prevent malnutrition
The risk of malnutrition increases when the older adult does not reach a minimum of 50% of requirements for more than 3 days or when factors are influencing the dietary intake [3]
A recent systematic review analysed socioeconomic factors which contribute the development of malnutrition in older adults
Summary
Enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods supports older adults to stay healthy and feel well. The risk of malnutrition increases when the older adult does not reach a minimum of 50% of requirements for more than 3 days or when factors are influencing the dietary intake [3]. Malnourished persons may be grouped into those with inadequate intake, reduced uptake or bioavailability of nutrients or increased requirements caused by acute or chronic disease [7]. An older adult may become malnourished because they continue adhering to a restrictive, ‘healthy lifestyle’ diet into their later life, despite evidence of reduced intake or absorption and increased requirements associated with co-morbid disease. The model Determinants of Malnutrition in Aged Persons (DoMAP) highlights these and many other major direct or indirect influencing factors of malnutrition in older adults (Fig. 4.1). A recent systematic review analysed socioeconomic factors which contribute the development of malnutrition in older adults. Multifactorial way and must be aware for socioeconomic aspects in the daily work regarding different types of older adults [11]
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