[Nutritional problems in older people]

Healthy ageing has become a major public health priority in response to the rapid demographic shift toward an ageing population. In Poland, older people are projected to account for approx. 40% of the total population by 2050. The present study aims to synthesise current evidence regarding the nutritional status of older adults and to discuss the multifaceted determinants and consequences of malnutrition in this population group. A literature search for the years 2015-2025 was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed database using the keywords "elderly," "older adults," "geriatric patients," "malnutrition," "nutritional problems," "nutritional status," "nutritional risk," "chronic disease," "multimorbidity," "frailty," "disability," "activities of daily living" and "dependence." The search was repeated in the Google Scholar database using the keywords "elderly" and "malnutrition." Fifty-three articles were included in the analysis. The analysis shows that older adults are a high-risk group for malnutrition. The degree of malnutrition varies across the studied populations, with the highest percentage of malnourished older adults found in hospital settings. Malnutrition in older age encompasses both insufficient energy intake and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Its determinants are complex and include social factors, such as isolation and economic vulnerability, as well as physiological changes associated with ageing. Importantly, nutritional risk is frequently multifactorial and may involve simultaneous deficiencies in several nutrients. Preventive strategies should therefore combine systematic screening across diverse social groups with comprehensive, targeted interventions. These may include correction of nutritional deficiencies, use of medical foods, direct food provision to vulnerable individuals, and structured nutrition education for older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals from the immediate community of older people and encouraging older people to spend their time actively. Promoting physical activity and social participation is equally important in mitigating frailty and loneliness. Effective prevention of malnutrition is fundamental to healthy ageing. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(4).