Each of the following cards outlines the factors that can affect the nutrition status of an older person. Try to figure out how each factor contributes to malnutrition of an older person, then flip the cards over to review the factors listed.
Poor Financial Status
An older person may face financial strain from lack of income, increasing cost of living, housing and medical expenses.
Hence, meals are often skipped and food that is purchased may not provide a nutritionally adequate intake.
Poor Financial Status
Institutionalized Older Person
Set menus, limited food choices, poor food presentation and dining environment can contribute to poor oral intake.
However, there are many nursing homes which make excellent efforts to overcome these problems.
Institutionalized Older Person
Food Preference/Belief
An older person may choose food based on his/her own preferences rather than the nutrient needs.
There are also cultural and religious beliefs to be taken into consideration.
Food Preference/Belief
Social Isolation
An older person living alone tend to have poorer diet quality.
Being alone and cooking for one results in the preparation of simpler meals (including ready meals) which may not be nutritionally adequate.
Social Isolation
Depression/
Bereavement
Reduced or changed food intake can be a symptom of depression.
It is often associated with the loss of loved ones or a major change in social circumstances.
Depression/
Bereavement
Lack of caregiver time
A frail older person with dementia or stroke may require handfeeding.
Inadequate caregiver time may lead to malnutrition in these older persons.
Lack of caregiver time
Alcohol or drug dependence
Excessive alcohol intake and dependence on psychotropic medications (eg benzodiazepines, anxiolytics and sedatives) may cause malnutrition due to reduced alertness level and oral intake.
