Malnutrition is a condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients or does not receive them in balance with its needs. This may be caused by eating too little food or by the body not being able to absorb and use them fully. This results in the body lacking energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for life.
How does malnutrition occur in the elderly?
Malnutrition in the elderly is a silent danger that can be caused by many factors, both physical, mental, and environmental. As people age, their sense of taste decreases, their teeth become weak, chewing or swallowing becomes difficult, and their digestive system slows down. สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน Social factors, such as living alone, lack of caregivers, or lack of sufficient income, also increase the risk.
When the body does not receive essential nutrients continuously, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, it will result in low immunity, weak muscles, slow wound healing, and a risk of chronic diseases in the long term.
Danger signal! Malnutrition is coming.
- Weight loss continues unintentionally
- Loss of appetite or no desire to eat
- Easily tired, exhausted, no energy to carry out daily activities
- Muscle atrophy or weakness, difficulty walking or frequent falls
- Dry, pale skin or slow healing wounds
- Weak immune system, easily susceptible to illness or infection
- Feeling depressed or lethargic, not cheerful
- Brain fatigue, memory loss, or increased confusion
Investigate the cause! Why are the elderly at risk of “malnutrition”?
- Physical changes
such as decreased sense of taste and smell, lost teeth, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and reduced functioning of the digestive and absorption systems. - Chronic diseases or conditions
such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease or dementia that affect appetite and eating - Side effects of medications
Some medications can cause loss of appetite, nausea, or interfere with nutrient absorption. - Mental health problems
such as stress, depression, or the loss of a loved one can cause loss of appetite. - Environment and society,
such as living alone, having no caregiver, and having limited income, lead to a lack of opportunities to choose healthy foods. - Insufficient nutritional knowledge.
Lack of understanding about appropriate foods for the elderly may lead to inappropriate food choices.
The impact of malnutrition on the elderly
- Reduced immunity,
more susceptible to infection, the body recovers from disease slower than normal. - Muscle weakness
makes it difficult to move, walk unsteadily, and increase the risk of falling. - Wounds heal slowly,
tissue repair is slower, causing small wounds to become big problems. - Fatigue and exhaustion,
resulting in less ability to perform daily activities, leading to increased dependence on others. - Mental impairment
such as decreased memory, confusion, increases the risk of dementia. - Risk of chronic diseases
such as osteoporosis, anemia, diabetes, or heart disease due to the lack of certain nutrients. - Mood swings, depression
Poor nutrition can affect brain chemistry, leading to mood swings or depression.
Chronic diseases or conditions that may be caused by malnutrition in the elderly
- Anemia – due to iron or vitamin B12 deficiency
- Muscle weakness – risk of falls and fractures
- Osteoporosis – due to calcium and vitamin D deficiency
- Low immunity – easily infected, slow to heal
- Dementia – Deficiency of certain vitamins such as B1, B12
- Slow healing of chronic wounds – due to low protein
- Depression, mood swings – lack of essential nutrients for the brain
- Type 2 Diabetes – If Nutrition Is Not Balanced
How to prevent and treat malnutrition in the elderly
- Eat a complete diet of all 5
food groups. Focus on eating a complete diet of all 5 food groups. Add protein, vitamins, and necessary minerals by choosing menus that are easy to chew, easy to digest, and appetizing. - Divide food into small meals.
If the elderly person eats only a small amount at each meal, they should divide it into 4–6 meals per day to ensure they get enough energy. - Take care of your oral health
by having regular dental checkups, wearing dentures that fit properly, and avoiding hard foods to help you eat more comfortably. - Regular health checks and nutritional assessments
to monitor weight, body composition, and biochemical values such as blood protein. - Promote movement and physical activities
, such as brisk walking or physical therapy, to stimulate metabolism and appetite. - Take care of your mental and emotional
health. Watch for depression, stress, or loneliness, which can affect your appetite. - Be in a good environment,
arrange the dining table to make it look inviting, eat with your family, and avoid distractions while eating. - Consult a doctor or nutritionist
to assess your nutritional status and plan appropriate management.
Although malnutrition in the elderly may not seem serious at first, if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to chronic health problems, muscle weakness, low immunity, and life-threatening complications. Paying attention to food, having regular health check-ups, and having someone to care for you who understands are the most important things.