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Nutrition in older adults
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili1, Elaine Amella
1School of Nursing, West Virginia University, Charleston Division, and Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV, USA. rdimaria@hsc.wvu.edu
The American Journal of Nursing
|February 25, 2005
Summary
Malnutrition poses a greater risk than obesity for adults over 65. Understanding nutritional needs and risk factors is crucial for maintaining health in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Physiologic and psychosocial changes in older adults significantly impact nutritional status.
- Malnutrition is a more prevalent threat to adults over 65 than obesity.
- Aging is associated with various factors increasing malnutrition risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the nutritional intake requirements for older adults.
- To discuss risk factors contributing to malnutrition in this demographic.
- To address assessment and nursing interventions for older adults' nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nutritional needs of older adults.
- Analysis of risk factors for malnutrition in the elderly.
- Examination of assessment tools and nursing interventions.
Main Results:
- Older adults have specific nutritional requirements.
- Factors like diet, income, isolation, chronic illness, and physiological changes increase malnutrition risk.
- Effective assessment and nursing interventions are vital.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition is a significant concern for adults over 65.
- A comprehensive approach addressing individual needs and risk factors is necessary.
- Nursing plays a key role in preventing and managing malnutrition in older adults.