5 Facts About Malnutrition Among Seniors

Malnutrition develops when your body does not get enough nutrients or lacks the essential nutrients needed for your body to be healthy. If you are interested in learning more about malnutrition in general, click here.

We know based on research findings that up to half of aging adults—65 years and older—are at risk of malnutrition, making it harder to manage chronic conditions, fight infection and illness, and stay independent. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with malnutrition, you might be looking for easier ways to get the right amounts of essential nutrients, like finding an organic meal replacement option.

You may have landed on this page because you’re nervous that your loved one may be at risk for being malnourished. If that’s the case, we hope you feel empowered to discuss nutrition options with them and their doctor. Doctors might recommend incorporating a nutrition plan that helps build immunity and provides ample amounts of protein in order to help muscle strength and prevent accidents.

Here are 5 facts about malnutrition in aging adults.

1. Malnourished individuals can come in all sizes. You can be overweight or underweight and still be malnourished. Many people who are malnourished will lose weight, but it’s possible to be a healthy weight or overweight and still be malnourished and lack essential nutrients.

2. Malnutrition affects people from a number of groups. Anyone can be affected by malnutrition, but it’s important to know that aging adults are more susceptible. Approximately 1 in 4 adults 65 years and older reduce meal sizes or skip meals and up to 60% of adults 60 years and older in healthcare settings are malnourished.

3. Malnutrition is associated with several factors.

Common factors include:

• Reduced appetite.

• Poor dental health and/or trouble swallowing and chewing.

• Chronic health conditions.

• Depression.

• Living alone.

• Limited income.

• Limited access to kitchen facilities.

• Following restricted diets.

• Physical trauma or injury.

4. You can’t always prevent or treat malnutrition by eating more. The quality of your nutrition counts. A healthy lifestyle includes eating nutrient-dense foods and, if possible, being physically active. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian or nutritionist to find out what nutrients to include in your diet.

5. Malnutrition has many warning signs. Here’s a list of symptoms to look out for:

• Muscle weakness and or muscle loss.

• Fatigue.

• Depression.

• Reduced mobility.

• Increased illness or infection.

• Anemia.

• Unplanned weight loss.

• Decreased appetite.

• Frailty.

The bottom line.

If you think you or your loved one may be malnourished, we encourage you to discuss it with a healthcare professional to figure out the next steps.

We’re here to help.

If you're concerned about you or your loved one meeting their nutritional needs, discuss nutrition options with a healthcare professional. If you’re considering using Kate Farms as supplemental nutrition to help them consume more essential nutrients and would like to discuss options with their doctor, show them Kate Farms plant-based, high-quality shakes to see if they could be right for you.

The content on this site (the “Content”) is provided for information purposes only. Kate Farms has attempted to include information it believes to be reliable and accurate as of the date of this Content. Kate Farms expressly disclaims and makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the Content including the accuracy or completeness of the information in this Content. Kate Farms shall have no liability relating to or resulting from the use of this Content. The Content is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, approved practices or policies of a particular physician and/or healthcare facility standards of care, all of which you should consider when using this Guide.