An assessment lexicon: assessment of dietary trends, physical activity patterns and nutritional status in the elderly

This article discusses the use of nutritional assessment to improve the health and nutritional status of older persons. A three pronged approach is suggested. First, the emphasis is on screening for poor nutritional status. This involves a search for both biological and social factors that influence diet, physical activity and other determinants of nutritional status. The Determine Checklist is helpful in doing this. Second, after those elders potentially at risk are identified, the goal is to address risks to nutritional status more definitively. The nutritional status lexicon (ABCDEF's) must be assessed in this regard. Finally, it is critical to prevent or treat problems which have been discovered. Without follow-up,b screening and assessment are useless.