Prevalence of Malnutrition and Related Factors in Elderly Population

Abstract

Malnutrition in the elderly is caused by various complicated interaction of several factors and also it is a common issue among them. Studies from low- and middle-income countries reported a substantially greater prevalence of malnutrition than research from high income nations. According to the studies conducted in India overall occurrence of malnutrition in Indian elderly is 17.93%. Additionally, the prevalence of malnutrition was significantly influenced by geography and the tool used to detect it. The prevalence of malnutrition was higher among female 16.67%, hospital settings 28.87%, urban areas 19.29%, and northern region 27.37% of India. Malnutrition in the elderly is linked to decreased mobility, weakened immunity, and cognitive impairment, all of which lower their overall functional capacity. So, elderlies are specifically susceptible to malnutrition; thus, it is important to identify nutritional issues in them and take appropriate action. Keywords: Malnutrition, Nutritional status, Elderly aged above 60, Mini nutritional assessment tool, Prevalence of malnutrition, Risk factors.