[It is never too late--nutrition in the elderly]

Increasing life expectancy is associated with the hope for independent and healthy living in old age. Autonomy and quality of life until old age are goals of health policy. A good nutritional status is an essential premise for that. Although the aetiology of many chronic diseases has not been studied to the last detail yet, one can state that a diet covering needs and age-appropriate physical activity increasingly help people to experience old age in a physically and mentally good constitution. In the "middle-aged" and young seniors, overweight/obesity and related conditions dominate. In old and oldest seniors, malnutrition poses a problem caused by unnoticed deficits in nutrient and fluid intake. They are often connected with conditions like dementia and should not be underestimated. The dietary situation of seniors living independently is normally better than that of seniors in nursing homes. Since the therapy of malnutrition in old age is very difficult and cumbersome, prevention plays a crucial role. Against this background, particular effort is required especially in senior housing facilities to ensure a diet covering needs, which preserves the pleasure of eating and drinking.