Detecting and Preventing Malnutrition in Seniors

Malnutrition is a serious health problem for seniors, and is more common than you’d think. Learn the signs and causes of malnutrition and take steps to ensure the seniors in your life are eating a balanced, healthy diet.

Problems caused by malnutrition

Malnutrition in seniors can cause serious health problems, such as:

• A weakened immune system, making them prone to viruses and infections
• Muscle weakness, which can cause falls and fractures
• Poor wound healing

Malnutrition can also contribute to a loss of appetite and disinterest in eating ” which only makes the situation worse.

Seniors with serious illnesses, dementia sufferers, or those who have recently lost weight are especially vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition.

Causes of malnutrition

Malnutrition seems pretty straightforward “ not enough food or not enough nutritious food. But, the cause of malnutrition in seniors can be more complicated and is often the result of a combination of physical, social and psychological problems.

• Health issues “ Many health concerns of seni