by www.proportionfoods.com.au/older-adults-silently-risk-malnutrition/

1 in 3 people admitted to hospital are either malnourished or at risk of being malnourished. In aged care facilities, it is estimated to range anywhere between 32 – 72%. The Dietitian’s Association of Australia calls malnutrition a “silent epidemic”. Research has proven that malnutrition can also cause complications such as infections and falls, which encourages higher readmission rates.

The most common symptom of malnutrition is weight loss, with a high percentage constituting loss of lean muscle tissue; other symptoms include fatigue, lack of energy, lack of strength, breathlessness, anemia, and changes in health of skin, hair and nails. There are an estimated 10 – 44% of older Australians being at risk of malnutrition. The main contributing factors of malnutrition include:

• Poor dentition
• Side effect of medication
• Chronic illness
• Depression and/or loneliness
• Progressive loss of taste and smell
• Decline in mobility or
• Early satiety

Nutritional Intervention

Older adults require approximately 25% more protein than younger adults. Older adults diagnosed as being malnourished will require nutritional intervention.

Recommended strategies for nutritional intervention are:

• Frequent, small meals which are nutrient dense
• Nourishing snacks which are high in protein (e.g. yogurt, cheese, and tuna)
• Fortifying regular foods (e.g. adding milk powder to mashed potato or cream to a sauce)
• Incorporating a nutritional supplement
• Ensure the individual has sufficient fluid intake
• Determine if texture modification is required and is at a suitable level

See how CCA can help combat malnutrition here