Nutritional assessment and management in older adults and its significance for health.

Introduction.

In the elderly population, nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining health and slowing the ageing process. In this population, malnutrition is more common and is linked to declines in functional status, impaired muscle function, decreased bone mass, immune dysfunction, anemia, reduced cognitive function, poor wound healing, delayed post-operative recovery, higher hospital readmission rates, and mortality.

Malnutrition is characterized as a condition in which a lack of, an overabundance of, or an unbalanced intake of protein, calories, and other nutrients has a negative impact on clinical outcomes and body structure and function. Malnutrition is more prevalent and on the rise among older people; as of right now, 16% of those over 65 and 2% of those over 85 are considered to be malnourished.

According to studies conducted in developed nations, up to 15% of older people who live in their communities and are confined to their homes, 23% to 62% of hospitalised patients, and up to 85% of nursing home residents are malnourished.

Anemia, lower cognitive function, poor wound healing, a delayed recovery from surgery, a higher hospital and readmission risk, death, and immunological dysfunction are all linked to malnutrition.

The aetiology is multifaceted and will be thoroughly covered under a number of topics.

• Age-related alterations in the digestive system's biology

• Age-related digestive system physiological changes

• Nutritional evaluation of older individuals

• Age-related pathogenic and non-pathological weight loss