Malnutrition exacerbates frailty and debilitation, causing families and loved ones greater worry and concern, as well as more time and energy spent in caregiving. Studies have shown that older adults at nutritional risk tend to make more visits to physicians, hospitals and emergency rooms. Malnourished older patients are readmitted to hospitals more frequently than those who are well-nourished. Causes The reasons older people may eat too little food can be as simple as too little money or as complex as disease, too many medications and too dependent on others. Several important factors contributing to inadequate nutritional intake among older people can be cited.
Poverty contributes significantly to malnutrition among older people.
As health care, medication and utility costs increase, many older Americans cut back on their food budget. Many older people, especially the oldest and the poorest, have disabilities or functional impairments and are unable to shop for groceries or cook for themselves. Over 80 percent of those 65 and older suffer from chronic diseases and conditions, many of which are associated with malnutrition. Older adults take more medications than any other age group. Medications can cause loss of appetite, reduced taste and smell, painful swallowing, nausea and vomiting, and can affect the absorption and use of nutrients.