Nutrition Facts in the Over-Eighty Population: A Narrative Review

Background: For the first time, humanity is facing the worldwide challenge of global population aging over 80 years. As individuals age, energy acquisition and metabolism undergo significant changes, leading to a progressive decline in energy intake, absorption, and utilization. These changes contribute to malnutrition, loss of muscle mass, frailty, hormonal decline, mineral depletion, and impaired hydration, all of which increase the risk of morbidity and decrease quality of life. In addition, as life expectancy increases, advanced age often brings a gradual loss of autonomy, mirroring early-life dependency. Objectives: Addressing this age shift requires targeted interventions to support the wellness of the growing very elderly population. This review provides an overview of healthy aging through an integrated approach that includes nutritional intervention, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation to support functional independence and overall well-being in older adults. The guiding principle is that longevity matters less than aging well.