People in their 60s and older do about as well as younger people in terms of fulfilling recognized guidelines concerning intake of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Nevertheless, some senior citizens do develop significant nutritional problems. Many things contribute to the risk of malnutrition in older adults. For example, chronic diseases may lead to physical limitations, as from arthritis, or to cognitive limitations, as from Alzheimer's disease. Such conditions can make shopping for, preparing, and consuming food difficult without assistance.
Depression is relatively common among older people, and it can lead to severe weight loss.
Taking medicine can affect nutritional status in other ways. The gastrointestinal side effects of some medications can interfere with the desire to eat. Anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of arthritis, for instance, can cause stomach upset. Medication-related nutritional problems are thus likelier among senior citizens than among younger persons. People often become less active as they age, and their appetites can decrease in consequence.