[Malnutrition in older adults]

. Malnutrition in older adults. Malnutrition in older adults is a multifactorial condition with serious health and social consequences. Physiological changes such as reduced appetite, impaired taste and smell, and slower gastrointestinal signaling contribute to the "anorexia of aging." Physical impairments, including poor oral health, chewing and swallowing difficulties, and mobility limitations, further reduce food intake. Cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and delirium also compromise nutrition, while chronic diseases, inflammation, and polypharmacy increase nutritional needs or interfere with absorption. Social isolation, poverty, and inadequate institutional care exacerbate the problem. Prevalence varies by setting: about 3% in community dwelling elders, 22% in hospitalized patients, and up to 50% in those with cancer, heart failure, or in long term care. Malnutrition leads to frailty, falls, infections, longer hospital stays, disability, and higher costs. Diagnosis relies on validated tools such as the Mini Nutritional Assessment and the GLIM criteria, which combine phenotypic markers (weight loss, low BMI, reduced muscle mass) with etiologic factors (low intake, malabsorption, inflammation). Prevention and treatment require routine screening, individualized nutrition plans, and multidisciplinary approaches. Strategies include enriched diets, oral supplements, assistance during meals, social support, and, when necessary, enteral or parenteral nutrition. Early, personalized, and comprehensive interventions improve outcomes, reduce mortality, and enhance quality of life in older adults.