Elderly people are especially vulnerable to nutritional problems due to age related changes in their body (impaired physiological and anatomical capacity). Box 3.5 overleaf sets out some of the problems an older person might experience which could impact on their diet.
Box 3.5 Possible nutritional issues in old age
- Problems of procuring and preparing foods
- Psychosocial problems
- Digestion problems
- Nutrient absorption problems
- Renal changes
- Memory loss (senile dementia), which may include forgetting to eat
- Sensory changes
- Physical problems like weakness, gouty arthritis and painful joints.