Abstract

Old age is associated with many changes, viz., physical, psychological, social and economic and age of 75 years or above is considered as autonomous risk factor for poor nutritional and health status. Body composition changes with ageing, fat mass and visceral fat increases, while lean muscle mass decreases. Physical activity goes down, and so does the bone mineral density. The age-related changes affect the food intake and nutritional status of older persons. Consequently, the elderly suffers from malnutrition, which along with co morbidities become life threatening issues. Inadequate nutrient intake and associated consequences in elderly can be effectively counteracted on having thorough understanding of the causes of malnutrition. Poor nutritional status has a multifactorial aetiology. This review examines the physiological risk factors responsible for malnutrition in the older adults. These include poor appetite, cachexia, oral health, micronutrient deficiencies and acute and chronic infections.

Keywords: Aging; Elderly; Malnutrition; Nutritional status; Older adults