Unfortunately, some older Americans are not getting enough nutrients to stay healthy, and may suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition in older people is a complex condition caused by a combination of factors in their lives. This is a serious health problem for the nation's older adults. Older Americans may not get proper nutrients because of a variety of conditions. This can happen for many reasons.
Many older people live alone and are unable to get around as easily as they used to.
One in five elders have trouble walking, grocery shopping, and preparing food as they age. This can restrict access to adequate amounts and variety of food. Also, depression sometimes affects older adults and can impact nutritional status by contributing to a lack of desire to eat or prepare food. Declining oral health, lack of teeth or poor- fitting dentures can also affect food intake. A healthy mouth, teeth and gums are needed to eat and poor- fitting denture s can interfere with eating.