I Why Won't Henry Eat . Medications and Elderly Persons People over the age of 65 routinely take twice as many medications as those younger than 65.
Elderly people are furthermore at risk for malnutrition or dehydration.
Disease and conditions such as dementia, Parkinson s and stroke, poor dentition and socioeconomic situations such as decreased social contacts and low income further influence the nutritional status of the elderly. All these factors in combination place elderly persons at even greater risk of adverse nutritional effects caused by medications and increase the potential for significant food-drug interactions. If yes, diabetics need careful monitoring. Liver and renal disease affect drug and nutrient metabolism. Gastro-intestinal problems affect appetite and the absorption of medications and nutrients.