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Malnutrition happens when a person doesn’t get enough calories, protein, or other nutrients to stay healthy. In older adults, it can cause muscle loss, weakness, falls, slower recovery, and other serious health problems. But spotting the red flags early and taking action can make all the difference.
In recognition of Malnutrition Awareness Week™ (Sept. 14–18) sponsored by our partners at ASPEN™, learn 10 ways malnutrition can affect your health—and six practical steps to help prevent it.
6 Steps to Prevent Malnutrition
| Step | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Know the signs | Watch for unplanned weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased appetite, easy bruising. |
| Choose nutrient-dense foods | Eat balanced meals with protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy or fortified alternatives. |
| Consider a nutrition supplement | An oral nutrition supplement may provide extra calories and protein when food is not enough. Ask your provider if one is right for you. |
| Care for your mouth | Treat dental problems, dry mouth, or poorly fitting dentures that make eating difficult. |
| Talk with a professional | Tell your doctor about issues that affect your eating, like loss of appetite or trouble chewing or swallowing |
| Find food assistance | Seek help with shopping or cooking, contact Meals on Wheels, or see if you qualify for SNAP benefits. |
Why are older adults at higher risk for malnutrition?
Roughly 1 in 2 older adults is at risk for malnutrition, according to the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center. Older adults are at higher risk because their nutritional needs and eating habits often change with age. They may need fewer calories but still require plenty of protein, fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients to stay strong and healthy.
At the same time, reduced appetite, changes in taste or digestion, medication side effects, mobility challenges, and trouble chewing or swallowing can make good nutrition tougher to maintain. Limited income and lack of transportation can also hinder access to healthy foods, especially for older adults who are homebound.
It’s important to know that malnutrition is not always caused by too little food. A person may eat regular meals but still not get the nutrients their body needs. That’s why a person who’s living with obesity can still be malnourished.
What health problems can malnutrition cause?
Our bodies naturally lose muscle and bone as we age. But malnutrition can accelerate these losses and impact our independence and ability to be active.
Below are some ways malnutrition can affect your health:
1. MOBILITY: Weak muscles and bones can make it harder to do everyday tasks like walking, dressing, and bathing. Regular physical activity and a diet high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D are critical to help you maintain and rebuild muscle and bone.
2. POSTURE: Muscles and bones are needed to help keep you upright. If they are weak, you may strain your neck, back, and shoulder muscles, causing you to feel pain.
3. STRENGTH: Poor muscle strength may make it more difficult to do your favorite activities.
4. FALLS: Bone and joint problems are major risk factors for falls—the leading cause of death and injury among older adults.
How malnutrition can impact your immune system and healing
When your body lacks nutrition, your white blood cell count can decrease, making it harder for your body to heal and fight illnesses.
5. HEALING: Your body’s nutrition influences your recovery, since wounds need energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to heal.
6. CANCER: If you are malnourished, it is more difficult to tolerate chemotherapy.
7. ILLNESS: A poor immune system can increase your risk for illnesses and infections.
How malnutrition can harm your organs
Not having enough protein and other nutrients can harm your organs.
8. EYES: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can accelerate vision loss caused by glaucoma, cataracts, and/or macular degeneration.
9. BRAIN: Nutrient deficiencies may speed up the rate at which your brain loses neurons, which can impair your speech, coordination, and memory.
10. KIDNEYS: A deficiency of fluids and electrolytes can cause your kidneys to overwork and affect their ability to function. This can lead to dehydration, joint pain, and heart issues.
How can malnutrition be prevented in older adults?
The good news is there are simple steps you can take to stay well-nourished. Here are six tips to get started:
- Understand what malnutrition is and isn't. Malnourished people come in all sizes. They may be underweight or be living with obesity. Learn five important facts about malnutrition in older adults.
- Make smart food choices. Learn how to eat well after 50, including how to make a well-balanced plate, identify foods highest in key nutrients like protein, and more.
- Try an oral nutrition supplement (ONS). Using ONS can help provide additional nutrients—including protein and energy—for people who are not meeting their nutrition needs through food alone.
- Take care of your teeth. Poor oral health can lead to gum disease and other dental problems that may limit your ability to eat well or eat certain foods that are vital for good nutrition.
- Consult your health care provider. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing unintentional weight loss, poor appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, problems with ill-fitting dentures, or other problems that affect eating. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you create a healthy eating plan that's tailored to your needs.
- Find help. If it’s difficult for you to drive, prepare, or purchase food, enlist a friend or family member to help or contact Meals on Wheels to see if you can get home-delivered meals. If you need help paying for groceries, try applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Millions of older adults use SNAP to supplement their monthly food budget.
Think you don’t qualify for SNAP? You might be surprised. Nearly 8 million older Americans currently receive SNAP benefits. Don’t miss out on assistance that can help you eat well on a budget. Learn more about SNAP and other programs that can help make food more affordable.
“Malnutrition can be surprisingly easy to miss,” said Gretchen Tanbonliong , Associate Director of Health and Wellness and a registered dietitian nutritionist. “But it’s never something to feel embarrassed about. If eating has become challenging for you or you’re losing weight without trying, please speak up. Getting support early on can help you get your strength back and feel better, so you can keep doing all the things you enjoy.”
Get more advice on eating well and aging well in our Diet & Nutrition resource library.
