Paliatívna medicína a liečba bolesti 1e/2015

Malnutrition in elderly

Natural processes of ageing lead in the human organism to changes result of which are dysregulation of metabolism, changes in the body composition, a lack of appetite and a faster feeling of saturation, or lower body activity. Other factors connected with ageing influence eating and a nutritional status. The result then is anorexia of ageing, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, tendency to quick dehydration, and a deficit of quality proteins, some trace elements, electrolytes and vitamins. Malnutrition is in its clinical meaning a state of insufficient nutrition with many negative health consequences, its early diagnostics and intervention is therefore critical. Eating disorders are common among seniors; the factor of ageing itself increases the risk of its formation. Unwanted loss of weight and a bad nutritional status are in the developed countries usually connected with diseases, their consequences or insufficient social care for seniors. The article aims to clarify the reasons of more frequent occurrences of hyponutrion in senior population and thematically is concerned with chronic malnutrition.

Keywords: elderly, anorexia of ageing, nutrition, malnutrition, nutritional intervention.